j£/;,j>2£ 


£>> 


HIST  O R  Y 


OF    THE 


FIRST    PRESBYTERIAN    CHURCH 


OF 


LOOMSBURY,  NEW  JERSEY. 


W1JH 

A  PRELIMINARY  SKETCH  OF  THE  NEIGHBORHOOD  FROM  ITS 
EARLIEST  SETTLEMENT. 


BY 


s 


D        KEY.  JOHN  C.  CLYDE,  A.  M., 

Author  of  History  of  the  Allen  Township  or  Irish  Settlement  Presbyterian 
Church,  Pen  a.;  Genealogies,  Necrology  and  Reminiscences  of  the  Irish  Settle- 
ment; IAfe,  Labors  and  Death  of  Rev.  John  Rosbrugh,  Clerical  Martyr  of  the 
Revolution;  Life  of  Prof .  James  H.  Coffin,  LL.D.,  of  Lafayette  College. 


BLOOMSBURY : 

PUBLISHED  BY  SUBSCRIPTION. 

1884. 


Entered  according  to  act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1883,  by 

Eev.  JOKNt  C.  CLYDE, 
In  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington. 


TO 
THE  FRIENDS 

OF  LOCAL  HISTORY,  ECCLESIASTICAL  AND  SECULAR, 

WHO  RESIDE  IN  BLOOMSBURY  AND  VICINITY, 

THE  FOLLOWING  PAGES  ARE 

INSCRIBED  BY 

THE 

AUTHOR. 


P  U  E  F  A  C  E. 


Tlie  following  pages  were  prepared  in  pursuance  of  the  recommendation  of  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly  of  1831,  wherein,  among  other  things,  aid  was  solicited  for  the  Presbyte- 
rian Historical  Society  in  its  work  of  collecting  "Histories  and  discourses  concerning 
churches,  &c."  The  manuscript,  after  being  prepared,  was  read  to  the  congregation,  in 
installments,  during  the  months  of  July  and  August,  1883.  Subsecpiently,  through  the 
efforts  chiefly  of  Hon.  H.  R.  Kennedy,  an  elder  in  the  church,  who  secured  the  list  of 
subscribers  whose  names  are  appended  to  the  work,  the  way  was  opened  for  its  appear- 
ance in  the  present  printed  form. 

In  the  preparation  of  the  history  we  have  followed  the  records  of  the  trustees,  session 
and  higher  church  courts,  where  material  was  to  be  found  suitable  to  our  purpose.  We 
have  also  laid  under  tribute  the  histories  of  Hunterdon  and  Warren  counties,  and  such 
other  secular  records  as  were  calculated  to  aid  us  in  the  task  undertaken.  Outside  of 
these,  we  are,  more  than  to  any  other,  indebted  to  Mr.  Kennedy  for  valuable  informa- 
tion, especially  so  with  reference  to  the  preliminary  chapter,  wherein  is  sketched  the 
characteristics  of  the  neighborhood  from  its  earliest  settlement  down  to  the  organization 
of  the  Bloomsbury  church.  Acknowledging  these  aids,  and  also  the  kindness  of  the 
subscribers  in  opening  the  way  for  the  publication  of  the  history,  we  send  it  forth  con- 
scious of  its  many  imperfections,  but  with  the  hope  that  it  may  be  of  some  interest  to 
the  church  and  to  the  community  at  large. 

J.  c.  c. 

Bloomsbury,  N.  J.,  December,  1883. 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER   I. 
PRELIMINARY  HISTORY. 

General  principles  affecting  communities.  Natural  surroundings.  First  settlers  The 
Robert  Johnston  tract  of  land  south  of  the  Musconetcong.  The  John  Cook  tract  north 
of  the  Musconetcong,  subsequently  held  by  the  Heanries,  Kennedys  and  others.  Vil- 
lage of  Bloomsbury.  Early  education  of  community.  Ecclesiastical  antecedents.  Rise 
and  progress  of  Methodism.  5. 

CHAPTER    H. 

ERECTION  OF  A  CHURCH  BUILDING  AND  FIRST 

PASTORATE  UNDER  REV.  W.  E.  WESTERVELT. 

Organization  talked  of  prior  to  1834,  during  pastorate  of  Rev.  Wm,  B.  Sloan  at 
Greenwich.  Also  under  pastorate  of  Rev.  D.  X.  Junkin,  1835 — 1851.  Definite  action 
taken  relative  thereto  under  pastorate  of  Rev.  A-  H.  Hand.  Church  organized  1857. 
Causes  which  made  organization  necessary.  Services  in  school  house.  Incorporation. 
Donation  of  site  for  a  church  building.  Calling  of  first  pastor.  Organization  of  Choir. 
Outpost  at  Bethlehem.  Erection  and  dedication  of  church  edifice.  Building  injured 
by  storm.     Districting  of  congregation.     Resignation  of  first  pastor.  14. 

CHAPTER   III. 

PRELIMINARIES  TO  REUNION.      PASTORATE 

OF  REV.  J.  S.  VANDYKE. 

Calling  second  pastor.  Church  transferred  from  Newton  to  Raritan  Presbytery.  Re- 
vival of  1861.  Sabbath-school  work.  Dissensions.  Outposts  at  Garrison's,  Bethlehem 
and  Franklin  school  houses.  Election  of  additional  elder  and  deacons.  Reunion. 
Pastor's  salary  increased.  Church  injured  by  lightning.  Resignation  of  second 
pastor.  25. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

PASTORATE  OF  REV.  H.  B.  SCOTT. 

BUILDING  OF  PARSONAGE. 

Paismagj.  Sacramental  occasions.  Call  of  third  pastor.  Congregation  redistricted. 
Ravival  of  1870.  Outpost  work  declining.  Congregational  rules.  Church  returns  to 
Newton  Presbytery.  Reunion.  Memorial  fund  Pastor's  salary  increased.  John  P. 
Smith  legacy.     Sexton's  duties.     Storm  injures  church.  30. 

CHAPTER  V. 
PASTORATE  OF  REV.  H.  B.  SCOTT  CONTINUED. 
DIFFICULTIES. 

Church  to  be  used  only  for  worship.  Envelope  system.  Additional  elder  elected. 
Burial  ground  enlarged.  Louise  F.  Kennedy  Fund.  Dissensions  before  Presbytery. 
Resignation  of  third  pastor.  39. 

CHAPTER  VI. 
PASTORATE  OF  REV.  J.  C.  CLYDE. 

Unsettled  difficulties.  Low  spiritual  state.  Benevolent  work  suffering.  Difficulties 
before  Synod.  Election  of  fourth  pastor.  Presbyterian  Hymnal  adopted.  Attempt  to 
organize  a  new  church.  Audience  room  relighted.  Discipline.  Debt  of  church  paid. 
Lecture  room  refitted.  End  of  difficulties  in  the  church.  Death  of  elder  William 
Tinsman.     Improved  condition  of  congregation.     New  side-walks.  48. 

(J  


HISTORY. 


CHAPTER  I. 
PRELIMINARY  HISTORY. 

General  principles  affecting  communities^  Natural  surroundings.  First  set- 
tlers. The  Robert  Johnston  tract  of  land  south  of  the  Musconetcang.  The  John 
Cook  tract  north  of  the  Musconetcong,  subsequently  held  by  the  Heanries,  Kenne- 
dys and  others.  Village  of  Bloomsbury.  Early  education  of  community.  Ec- 
clesiastical antecedents.     Rise  and  ])rogress  of  Methodism. 

The  student  of  ethnology  learns  at  a  very  early  stage  of  his-  investi- 
gations that  circumstances  largely  determine  the  different  characteris- 
tics which  we  see  among  the  various  parts  of  the  human  family.  A 
river,  by  its  even  flow,  and  by  its  supply  of  a  prime  necessary  of  life, 
forms  an  avenue  along  which  man  finds  it  easy  to  travel,  either  by 
floating  upon  its  bosom  or  by  journeying  upon  its  banks.  We  see  the 
migration  of  mankind  therefore  governed  largely  by  the  courses  of  the 
streams  by  which  the  earth  is  watered.  A  mountain,  by  its  precipitous 
sides  and  lack  of  those  things  which  minister  most  conveniently  to 
man's  daily  wants,  becomes  a  barrier  by  which  he  is  confined  to  certain 
limits,  or  his  course  of  migration  is  deflected.  The  opening  of  public 
roads  through  the  country  and  the  construction  of  railroads,  thus  facili- 
tating the  intercourse  between  mankind,  constitute  a  powerful  factor 
in  determining-  the  mobilitv  of  communities  and  the  formation    of  cen- 


<;  first  Presbyterian  Church  of  JJloomsbury. 

ters  of  poiiulation  and  trade.  The  fertile  valley,  which  is  planted  as  a 
garden  amid  charming  surrounding  scenery,  and  which  yields  a  satis- 
fying return  to  the  husbandman  tor  liis  toil,  thus  making  him  prosper- 
ous and  happy,  is  a  powerful  incentive  in  developing  the  intellectual 
and  physical  nature  of  man.  On  the  other  hand  the  barren  and  broken 
regions — the  waste  places  of  the  earth — which  have  nothing  to  attract 
the  eye  or  cheer  the  heart,  have  a  tendency  to  dull  the  intellectual  per- 
ceptions, and  stunt  the  growth  of  the  physical  man.  Again,  the  influ- 
ences brought  to  bear  upon  mankind  through  education,  intellectual  and 
moral,  in  conjunction  with  physical  surroundings,  are  large  factors  in 
determining  the  condition  of  a  community  at  any  given  period  of  its 
history.  If  the  people  have  had  the  advantages  of  good  secular  educa- 
tion and  wholesome  moral  training,  they  will  be  found,  as  a  rule,  pos- 
sessing a-  proportionate  amount  of  wealth,  intellectual  power  and  dispo- 
sition to  accomplish  commendable  tilings  in  political,  social,  and  relig- 
ious life.  If,  on  the  other  hand,  their  means  of  secular  education  have 
been  limited,  and  their  moral  training  neglected,  they  will  be  found  to 
be,  as  a  rule,  incapable  of  preserving  from  waste  what  nature  by  the 
operation  other  laws  may  have  provided  for  them,  ami  possessed  of  lit- 
tle inclination  to  put  forth  efforts  for  advancement  politically,  socially 
or  religiously. 

In  arriving  at  a  true  historical  estimate  of  a  church,  therefore,  at  any 
given  period  of  its  existence,  such  things  as  these,  must  be  taken  into 
consideration.  We  find  then,  with  reference  to  the  First  Presbyterian 
Church  of  Iiloonislmry,  that  nature  has  done  much  to  help  her  on  to 
success.  When  we  survey  the  physical  characteristics  of  the  section  of 
country  occupied  by  the  congregation  we  see  what  advantages  it  has 
laid  in  location,  to  make  it  compact  and  prosperous.  Through  the 
midst  of  it  flows  the  beautiful,  rapid,  clear  and  cold  waters  of  the  Mus- 
conetcoug  creek.  Its  waters  have  ever  ministered  to  the  comfort,  hap- 
piness, and  prosperity  of  the  people.  Upon  its  banks  they  have  ever 
wended  their  way  either  in  the  pursuits  of  every  day  life,  or  for  the 
purpose  of  worshiping  God.  On  the  south  is  seen  the  picturesque 
range  of  the   Musconetcong   mountains,   clad    as   they   are    in    richest 


First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloomsbury.  7 

green  in  summer  or  purest  white  in  winter,  dotted  with  the  fields,  or- 
chards, and  farm  houses  of  the  industrious  and  frugal  inhabitants,  and 
holding  in  its  bosom  rich  deposits  of  iron,  which  ministers  so  largely  to 
man's  prosperity,  convenience  and  happiness.  To  the  north  may  be 
seen  the  lower  and  more  broken  Pohatcong  range  which  forms  the  nat- 
ural boundary  between  the  Musoonetcong  and  Pohatcong  valleys. 
Down  the  valley,  at  a  distance  of  about  a  mile  from  the.  church,  the 
the  hills  close  in  upon  each  other,  thus  forming  in  this  part  of  the  valley 
what  might  be  called  a  cut  de  sac  or  pocket,  thus  forming  a  natural 
boundary  to  the  congregation  on  the  southwest  and  west.  So  com- 
pletely closed  in  is  the  congregation  in  this  direction  that  the  Musco- 
uetcoug  creek  struggles  through  a  deep  ravine,  with  scarcely  room  for 
a  foot  path  upon  its  banks,  as  it  impetuously  rushes  over  its  rocky  bed 
to  mingle  its  waters  with  those  of  the  Delaware.  To  the  northeast,  or 
up  the  stream,  stretches  the  unbroken  surface  of  the  valley,  having 
merged  into  if,  ten  or  twelve  miles  distant,  the  Pohatcong  valley,  and 
thus  holding  its  course  to  the  northeast  till  it  is  lost  in  the  hill  country 
of  Sussex  county. 

The  part  of  the  valley  occupied  by  the  Bloomsbury  congregation  is  a 
"rich  alluvial  with  mixture  of  red  shale  which  returns  large  crops  to  the 
husbandman."  "It  is  a  pretty  well  established  fact  that  the  first  white 
settlers  of  the  township  [of  Bethlehem,  Hunterdon  county,  in  which  the 
church  is  located]  were  Hollanders,  and  came  here  in  the  early  part  of 
the  last  century.  Among  the  descendants  of  the  pioneer  settlers  who 
still  retain  a  portion  at  least  of  the  original  purchases,  are  the  Hoff- 
mans,  Alpaughs,  Crevelings,.  Hoppocks,  Duckworths,  Willevers,  Vliets, 
Boss,  Housels,  Opdykes  and  others  whose  ancestors  were  pioneers 
along  the  river."  "That  part  of  the  township  immediately  around 
Bloomsbury  has  come  down  through  the  possession  of  Eobert  Johnstou, 
who  owned  a  large  tract  including  not  only  what  is  now  the  village  of 
Bloomsbury,  but  the  farms  of  Moses  Bobius  and  John  Stute  on  the 
west,  and  the  Taylor  property  on  the  east  of  the  village  and  running  to 
the  top  of  the  mountain.    The  Taylor  tract  was  probably  the  eastern 


8  First  Presbyterian  Church  of "ffloomsbury. 

part  of  this  original  tract  of  Robert  Johnston.  A  little  farther  east 
was  a  tract  owned  for  a  short  time  by  a  man  named  Hamilton;  then 
came  tracts,  a  part  of  which  are  still  in  possession  of  the  descendants 
of  the  original  owners,  as  previously  stated."  His.  Hun.  Co.  1881,  pp. 
457,  45S. 

The  section  thus  described  substantially  covers  the  ground  occupied 
by  that  portion  of  the  congregation  lying  south  of  the  Musconetcong 
creek,  i.  e.  in  Hunterdon  county. 

When  we  pass  to  the  portion  lying  north  of  the  creek  and  between 
it  and  the  Pohatcong  range,  which  divides  the  Musconetcong  from  the 
Pohatcong  valley,  we  find  that  John  Cook  of  Frank  ford,  Pennsylvania, 
had  surveyed  to  him  by  Samuel  Green,  on  a  writ  from  the  Council  of 
Proprietors  of  the  Western  Division  of  the  Province  of  New  Jersey,  one 
thousand  one  hundred  and  eleven  acres  of  land  in  Greenwich  town- 
ship, county  of  Hunterdon,  (as  it  then  was)  fronting  on  the  "Muscone- 
konk  River"  near  Silver  Hill,  and  the  rear  on  "Pohatkong  Brook." 
The  survey  of  this  tract  of  land  was  recorded  in  the  Surveyor  General's 
Office  at  Burlington,  bearing  date  June  2.  1715. 

Hannah  Cook,  granddaughter  of  John  Cook,  to  whom  the  above 
tract  was  surveyed,  together  with  her  husband  William  Heanrie,  living 
in  the  township  of  Greenwich,  conveyed,  by  deed  bearing  date  Dec.  G. 
1742,  to  Adam  Hall  and  Elisabeth  his  wife,  five  hundred  acres  of  the 
lower  or  western  portion  of  this  tract  of  land ;  and  Adam  Hall  and  wile, 
by  deed  bearing  date  Deb.  1G.  1742,  conveyed  three  hundred  and  thir- 
ty-three and  one  third  acres  of  the  lower  portion  of  the  five  hundred 
acres,  and  fronting  on  the  "Musconekong  River,"  to  Christopher  Fal- 
conberger;  and  Mr.  Falcon berger  acquired  by  deed  bearing  date  Oct. 
10.  1748,  from  John  Reading,  ninety  acres  adjoining  the  above  tract  on 
the  west  and  rear  on  the  line  of  Thomas  Bryerly  Esq. 

Adam  Hall  and  wife,  by  deed  bearing  date  Dec.  1G.  1742,  conveyed  to 
Ananias  Allen,  one  hundred  and  sixty-six  and  two  thirds  acres  of  the 
above  mentioned  five  hundred;  and  Ananias  Allen,  by  deed  bearing 
date  Dec.  L3.  1 743,  coveved  to  Michael  Heanrie    the   above    mentioned 


First  Presbyterian  Church  of  JBloomsbury.  9 

one  hundred  and  sixty-six  and  two  thirds  acres,  the  transaction  being 
witnessed  by  John  Smith  and  George  Reading,  and  acknowledged  by 
John  Reading. 

Michael  Ileanrie,  by  deed  bearing  date  Apr.  (5.  1752,  conveyed  these 
Lauds  to  his  son  Michael  Heanrie  Jr.  Christopher  Falcouberger,  by  deed 
dated  Nov.  9. 1752,  conveyed  to  Christian  Sharpenstein  two  hundred 
and, eleven  acres,  being. the  lower  portion  of.  Jiis,  tract;  il  being  (lie 
same  laud  which  Mr.  Sharpenstein  conveyed  t<>  Jonathan  Robins,  and 
which  is  now  owned  by  William  X.  Creveling  and  (lie  heirs  of  John  S. 
Robins,  with  other  lands.  Hannah  Ileanrie,  by  deed  of  trust  bearing- 
date  Oct.  19.  17o7,  conveyed  to  Michael  Ileanrie,  of  Readington,  and 
William  Bishop  of  Greenwich,  six  hundred  and  ninety-six  acres  of  land 
in  Greenwich  township,  and  one  hundred  and  thirty -two  acres  in  Beth- 
lehem township,  to  be  held  in  trust  for  her  children  until  they  arrived 
at  the  age  of  twenty-one  years,  viz:  Arthur,  Michael,  Nathaniel,  Elisa- 
beth, and  Sarah  Heanrie;  being  the  lands  fronting  on  the  Musconet- 
cong  creek  below  Bloomsbury,  to  the  westerly  line  of  John  Cline's  farm, 
and  thence  across  to  the  Pohatcong  and  along  Robert  I.  Smith's  and 
William  J.  Smith's  land  to  a  white  oak  sapling  on  the  north  side  of  the 
Musconetcong  creek  by  a  spring.  This  deed  was  witnessed  by  Philip 
Chapman  and  William  Knowles,  and  acknowledged  by  Jonathan  Petit. 
A  deed  for  fifty  acres  was  made  by  Christian  Sharpenstein  in  1790, 
which  was  witnessed  by  Philip  Fonger,  Robert  Sproull,  aud  John  D. 
Jaques.  Adam  Ruukle  Jr.  owned  lands  near  Kennedy's  mill  in  Green- 
wich township. 

A  deed  was  made  in  1772,  in  Greenwich  township,  by  Michael  Hean- 
rie to  Conrad  Settle  aud  included  lands  now  occupied  by  R.  H.  Kenne- 
dy. This  transaction  was  witnessed  by  Robert  Calnett  and  Charles 
Hoff".  There  was  a  deed  made  in  1794,  for  ten  acres,  by  Robert  Kenne- 
dy and  Elisabeth  his  wife  to  Peter  Fishbach.  The  property  is  now 
owned  by  Robert  I.  Smith.  This  transaction  was  witnessed  by  Jacob 
Eichman  and  Enoch  Kennedy.  There  was  a  deed  made  in  1777  by 
Conrad  Settle  to  Robert  Kennedy,  which  land  is  now  occupied  by  R.  H. 


10  First  Presbyterian  Church  af  Bloomsbury. 

Kennedy.  This  transaction  was  witnessed  by  Jacob  Welsh  and  Jesse 
Barber.  Capt.  Arthur  Heanrie's  homestead  farm  is  now  occupied  by 
IT.  R.  Kennedy.  It  was  bounded  on  the  east  by  lands  of  Capt.  Benja- 
min McCullough.  Capt.  McCullough  built  the  house  now  occupied  by 
.Jesse  J.  Lake.  He  owned  the  lands  now  in  the  possession  of  Robert  I. 
Smith,  William  J.  Smith,  John  Peter,  and  the  farm  on  which  William 
Sherrer  lives.  There  was  a  deed  made  in  1763  by  Capt.  McCullough  to 
Samuel  Severn?,  it  being  the  mill  property  known  as  Kennedy's  Mill. 
The  witnesses  to  this  transaction  were  Robert  Johnston  and  Patrick 
McDeed. 

Thus  we  find  that  the  lands  on  the  north  as  well  as  on  the  south  side 
of  the  Museoneteoiig  have  been  for  generations  in  the  hands  of  those 
who  were,  as  a  rule,  inclined  to  the  Presbyterian  faith.  Having  thus 
before  our  minds  the  section  of  country  in  general  occupied  by  the  con- 
gregation, we  may  turn  to  notice  more  particularly  the  village  of 
Bloomsbury  where  the  church  building  is  located.  This  is  situated 
near  where  the  New  Brunswick  turnpike  crosses  the  Musconetcong 
creek  from  Warren  into  Hunterdon  county,  and  where  roads  diverge  to 
Pittstown  and  Little  York.  The  latter  of  these  roads  was  opened  for 
travel  in  1815.  "The  road  from  Bloomsbury  to  Pittstown,  a  distance  of 
ten  miles,  is  a  part  of  the  old  one  known  as  'the  Kings  Highway',  and 
was  originally  the  dividing  line  between  Bethlehem  and  Alexandria, 
townships,  so  far  as  it  crosses  Bethlehem.  That  small  portion  of  Beth- 
lehem west  of  this  road  was  subsequently  taken  from  Alexandria  and 
added  to  Bethlehem.  The  road  does  not  cross  a  stream  between 
Bloomsbury  and  Pittstown,  though  there  are  many  springs  and  creeks 
on  either  side  of  it."  His.  Hun.  Co.,  1881,  p.  459. 

The  church  is  located  on  the  east  side  of  this  road  a  few  hundred 
yards  south  of  where  it  diverges  from  the  New  Brunswick  turnpike. 

"The  name  [of  the  village]  is  derived  from  the  Bloom  family,  who 
were  influential  here  in  the  early  history  of  the  place  and  at  present 
represented  in  other  localities.  It  was  previously  known  as  Johnson's 
Iron  Works,  from  Robert  Johnson's  furnace,  which  was  on  the  Warren 


First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bhomsbury,  11 

county  side  of  the  creek,  near  where  the  old  charcoal  house  now  stands. 
Johnson  carried  on  business  here  as  early  as  1750.  The  ore  was  carted 
from  the  south  side  of  the  Musconetcong  mountain  and  made  into  what 
is  known  as  blooms,  and  some  entertain  the  idea  that  the  name  Blooms- 
bury  originated  from  this."  "The  village  is  beautifully  situated  at  the 
foot  of  the  Musconetcong  mountains,  at  the  lower  end  of  the  valley.  A 
small  part  lies  on  the  north  side  of  the  creek,  in  Warren  county.*' 
"The  site  of  the  village  was  owned  as  early  as  1810  by  George  Beidle- 
man  of  Eastou.  His  son  William  lived  here,  having  charge  of  the  estate, 
and  the  property  became  his  by  heirship.  His  house  was  on  the  corner 
of  Bridge  Street  and  Little  York  road,  where  Henry  Gardner's  resi- 
dence now  stands.  Mr.  Beidleman  died  here  about  1838.  His  widow 
still  lives  in  the  village  [and  is  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  church, 
Oct.  1883.]"  [As  to  the  property  here  referred  to,  another  authority 
says  it  was  controlled  by  Henry  Jones  and  Henry  Cortright,  sons-in-law 
of  George  Beidleman.  Subsequently  the  title  vested  in  Henry  Jones. 
Still  later  the  property  was  owned  by  Enoch  Green,  another  son-in-law 
of  George  Beidleman,  and  was  controlled  by  his  brother-in-law  William 
Beidleman.]  "The  next  owner  of  the  Bloomsbury  property  was  Henry 
Jones,  who  was  a  distiller  and  built  a  still  house  on  the  site  now  occu- 
pied by  Hoffm  an's  saw  mill,  below  the  grist  mill.  This  was  the  pioneer 
distillery.  He  died  about  1828.  The  house  in  which  he  lived  is  now 
occupied  by  Theodore  Melick.  In  1832  his  widow  built  the  house  where 
widow  Beidleman  now  lives,  [on  the  southwest  corner  of  Little  York 
road  and  the  road  leading  to  Pittstown,  or  south  across  the  road  from 
where  her  husband  lived  and  died.]" 

"As  late  as  1832  the  land  now  occupied  by  Bloomsbury  was  a  farm, 
and  there  were  but  five  houses  upon  the  Bethlehem  side  of  the  creek; 
the  old  log  house  that  stood  where  the  brick  store  now  is ;  the  old  Bei- 
dleinan'house  on  the  corner  where  Gardner's  house  stands;  the  old  yel- 
low house  down  the  York  road;  and  the  two  log  houses  of  John  L.  and 
Bartholomew  Lott.  These  are  all  standing  except  the  first  named. 
This  was  kept  for  several  years  as  a  tavern  by  Charles  Tomlinson,   and 


12  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloomsbury. 

was  the  first  oil  the  south  side  of  the  creek."    His,  Han.  Co.  j>.  461. 

Another  authority  says  the  property  was  bought   by   Joseph  Cougle 
and  by  him  converted  into  a  tavern  which  was  kept  by  himself. 

As  to  educational  advantages  it  may  be  s;ii<l  the  people  of  this  com 
munity  enjoyed  tin-  common  advantages  of  the  times  in  which  they 
lived.  These  consisted,  in  the  earlier  days,  of  private  schools  ;md 
mere  recently  of  the  common  school  system  of  the  State.  With  refer 
ehce  to  the  religious  training  (>f  the  community  it  may  be  said  they 
have  never  been  without  it.  Even  before  the  sainted  David  Braiuerd 
came,  to  a  neighboring  locality  in  1 744,  as  a  missionary  to  the  Indians, 
with  whom  the  whites  occupied  the  land,  missionaries  had  visited  the 
region,  preached  to  the  people  and  founded  ehurches. 

"•There  came  before  the  Presbytery  of  New  Brunswick,  then  met   at 
a  place  now  called  ^awrenceville,'  says  the  quaint   record,   'a  supplica- 
tion for  supplies  of  preaching  in  Mr.  Barber's  neighborhood,   near  Mus- 
connekunk  (Musconetcoiig);  and  Mr.  Cross  and   Mr.  McCrea  were   di- 
rected to  supply  certain  Sabbaths  at  Lamingtuuk  (Lamington),  and  Mr. 
Barber's.1     This  Mr.  Barber  was  probably  the  ancestor  of  Jesse  Barber, 
father  of  Phineas,  formerly  an  elder  in   this   (Mansfield)    [Washington] 
church.     Subsequent  records  make  it  certain  that  Mr.   Barber's   neigh- 
borhood was  identical  with  parts  of  old  Mansfield  and   Greenwich;    for 
mention  is  often  made  of  supplies  being  sent  to  Mr.  Barber's   and   Mr. 
Green's.     The  former — Mr.  Barber's  neighborhood — seems  to  have  giv- 
en place  on  the  records  to  'Mansfield  Woodhouse'  whilst  the  latter — Mr- 
Green's— changes  on  the  record   to   Green's-ridge — Greenidge — Green- 
age— and  at  last  lower  Greenwich."     "Greenwich  upon  Delaware   was 
the  district  now  occupied  by  Belvidere,  Oxford,  and  part  of  Harmony." 
"It  is  possible  that  the  first  Presbyterian   houses   of  worship  erected 
within  our  bounds,  were  those  of  Greenwich  and  'Mansfield  WooMhouse.' 
Which  was  the  first  erection  it  is  impossible  to  say.     But   it  is   pretty 
certain  that  the  first  meeting  house  in  Greenwich  was  erected  between 
the  years  1730  and  1741;  for  in  the  journal  of  that  man  of  God,   David 
Brainerd,  he  mentions  having  preached  ill    Greenwich   twice   on    Sab- 


First  Pretbyttrian  Church  of  BlooiUabary,  13 

bath  December  9. 1744;  and  when  it  is  considered  that  this  first  log 
chinch  was  so  far  decayed  in  177.*)  as  to  render  another  building  neee.s 
sary,  we  may  inter  that  it  was  in  the  first  old  church  that  he  preached." 
Fiftieth  Annkcrmry  of  Neictmi  Prexbytery,  %  liec.  J).  X.  Jnnlin,  D.D.,  p.  25. 

The  three  points,  then,  were  Oxford  First,  near  Belvidere;  Mansfield 
Woodhouse,  (which  stood  on  the  southern  slope  of  the  Pohatcong  range 
which  divides  the  Mnsconetcong  and  Pohatcong  valleys,  at  the  old  bu- 
rying ground  adjoining  the  Washington,  "N".  J.,  eenietery — which  held 
is  now  occupied  by  the  First  Mansfield  (Washington),  Mnsconetcong 
Valley,  and  Asbury  churches);  and  Greenwich.  If  the  old  log  church 
first  erected  in  Greenwich,  on  the  south  side  of  the  Pohatcong  creek, 
one  half  or  three  fourths  of  a  mile  to  the  south  or  southwest  of  the  pres- 
ent church,  were  still  standing,  it  would  probably  be  in  full  view,  a  mile 
and  a  half  westward,  from  the  site  of  the  present  Bloomsbury  church. 

In  that  old  log  church,  in  1704,  Rev.  John  Rosbrugh  was  ordained  to 
the  gospel  ministry  and  became,  as  far  as  known,  the  first  pastor  of  the 
church.  The  Bloomsbury  district  was  part  of  that  charge  and  under 
his  ministry,  and  that  of  his  successors,  Rev.  Joseph  Treat  (1775 — 1797), 
Rev.  William  B.  Sloan  (1798—1834),  Rev.  David  X.  Junkin,  D.D.  (1S35 
— 1851),  and  Rev.  Aaron  H.  Hand,  D.D.,  the  people  were  always  provi- 
ded with  the  means  of  grace. 

Thirty-five  or  thirty-six  years  before  the  organization  of  the  Presby- 
terian church  of  Bloomsbury,  the  Methodists  commenced  to  work  the 
field.  It  seems  a  circuit  preacher  visited  the  place  about  1821  and  held 
services  in  John  Pippenger's  house,  where  Samuel  Stamets  now  lives. 
^'Rev.  Samuel  Hull  and  Rev.  Jacob  Hevener  preached  in  the  village  oc- 
casionally about  this  time.  Rev.  Seely  Bloomer  is  known  to  have 
preached  at  Daniel  Stires'  residence,  then  standing  near  the  Central 
Railroad  arch.  Willever's  and  Stiers'  houses  became  the  headquarters 
of  the  Methodist  preachers  when  in  the  place."  "In  1835  a  suitable 
place  for  public  service  was  purchased.  It  was  the  property  now  owned 
by  Joseph  B.  Boss,  and  occupied  as  a  double  dwelling,  near  the  corner 
north  of  the  church.    It  was  originally  a  cabinet  shop   belonging  to   a 


11  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloomsbury. 

Mr.  Helmsman,  and  later  a  wheelwright  shop.  [Another  authority  says 
the  building  was  originally  built  by  Mrs.  Nancy  Jones  for  her  son 
George,  to  be  occupied  as  a  wheelwright  shop.]  Henry  Willever  and 
Daniel  Stires  were  among  the  early  members,  and  contributed  largely 
to  the  establishment  <>i' the  infant  church.  When  Mr.  Willever  died,  in 
18-41,  he  bequeathed  8400  to  the  society,  with  which  to  refit  the  wheel- 
wright shop  and  adapt  it  to  church  purposes.  While  this  was  being 
done  Rev.  Mr.  Page  and  his  colaborer  Rev.  J.  P.  Daly,  preached  in  the 
school  house.  A  IJev.  Mr.  Chattels  preached  the  dedicatory  sermon; 
he  "was  appointed  to  this  circuit  about  1830."     Hi's.  Hun.  Co.,  p.  4G2. 

We  tind  then  that  the  Methodists  had  been  occupying  and  actively 
cultivating  the  held  for  more  than  twenty  years  before  the  Presbyte- 
rians organized  a  church.  Thus  we  have  before  us  some  of  the  circum- 
stances which  surrounded  the  people  of  the  community  prior  to  the  or- 
ganization of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloomsbury,  and  which 
exerted  their  influence  in  directing  the  current  of  its  affairs. 


CHAPTER  II. 

ERECTION  OF  A  CHURCH  BUILDING  AND  FIRST 
PASTORATE  UNDER  REV-  W.  E.  WESTERVELT. 

Organization  talked  of  prior  to  1834,  during  pastorate  of  Rev.  Win.  B.  Sloan 
at  Greenwich.  Also  imder  pastorate  of  Rev.  D.  X.  Junkin,  1835 — 1851.  Def- 
inite actum  taken  relative  thereto  under  pastorale  of  Rev.  A.  H  Hand.  Church 
organized  1857.  Causes  which  made  organization  necessary.  Services  in  school 
house.  Incorporation.  Donation  of  site  for  church  building.  Calling  of  first 
pastor.  Organization  of  choir.  Outpost  at.  Bethlehem.  Erection  and  dedica- 
tion of  church  edifice.  Building  injured  by  storm.  Districting  of  the  congrega- 
tion.     Resignation  of  first  pastor. 


First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloomsbury.  1,~> 

As  we  have  seen,  the  held  oeeupied  by  the  First  Presbyterian  Church 
of  Blooinsbury  was  originally  included  in  the  bounds  of  the  old  historic 
Greenwich  church,  Warren  county,  New  Jersey.  As  the  facts  relative 
to  the  early  history  of  that  church  may  be  found  in  a  discourse  deliver- 
ed at  its  Centenary,  on  the  present  site;  in  a  discourse  commemorative 
of  the  first  half  century  of  the  Presbytery  of  Newton,  by  Rev.  David  X. 
Jnnkin,  D.D. ;  and  in  "Rosbrngh,"  by  the  author  of  this  sketch,  it  is 
unnecessary  to  give,  further  thau  we  have  already  done,  a  retrospect  of 
the  religious  characteristics  of  the  community  prior  to  the  formation  of 
the  Bloomsbury  church. 

As  early  as  during  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  William  13.  Sloan  in  Green- 
wich church,  which  closed  in  1834,  the  formation  of  a  church  at  Blooms- 
bury  was  talked  of.  During  the  pastorate  of  Eev.  David  X.  Junkin, 
D.D.,  from  1835 — 1851,  the  matter  was  spoken  of  from  time  to  time  but 
no  definite  action  was  taken.  During  the  early  part  of  the  pastorate  of 
Rev.  Aaron  H.  Hand,  D.D.,  commencing  in  1851,  the  question  seems  to 
have  received  little  or  no  attention.  But  in  1857  the  subject  assumed 
a  practical  aspect,  so  far  as  the  Greenwich  church  was  concerned.  In 
the  Centenary  discourse  above  referred  to,  p.  11,  Dr.  Junkin  says  : 
"In  November,  1858  [1857],  the  Bloomsbury  church  was  organized  of 
persons  belonging  to  this  church,  for  which  purpose  forty-one  were  dis- 
missed." The  need  of  a  Presbyterian  church  at  this  point  was  occa- 
sioned, at  least  in  part,  by  the  impetus  which  the  place  received  from 
the  extension  of  the  New  Jersey  Central  Railroad  throngh  the  Musco- 
netcong  valley,  to  Easton,  Pennsylvania.  This  occurred  in  1852.  So 
great  was  the  increase  of  population  and  resources  at  this  point  that  it 
was  felt  to  be  a  question,  not  simply  of  practicability,  but  of  necessity 
that  a  congregation  be  organized  and  a  church  building  erected  in  the 
locality  to  accommodate  the  forty  or  more  Presbyterian  families  who 
were  residents  of  the  village  and  its  immediate  vicinity.  The  initiato- 
ry step  seems  to  have  been  taken  by  William  J.  Smith,  who,  some  time 
in  August,  1857,  spoke  of  the  matter  to  Henry  R.  Kennedy.  A  w<jek 
or  so  subsequent  to  this  there  met,  informally,  under  the   trees   at   the 


lb  First  Hvxbyleriau  Church  of  HluoHisbury. 

residence  of  Robert  1.  Smith  on  the  uortli  .side  of  the  Musconetcoiig 
creek,  the  following  gentlemen,  viz:  James  Bird,  Henry  Gardner  Sr., 
David  F.  Wean,  Hem y  11.  Kennedy,  William  B.  Gardner,  Robert  I. 
Smith,  and  "William  J.  Smith,  who  discussed  the  subject  and  resolved 
to  attempt  some  practical  results.  The  question  received  a  practical 
solution  when  oil  Sep.  1.  1857,  the  friends  of  the  enterprise  founded  the 
church.     The  following  subscription  paper  was  circulated,  viz: 

"We,  the  signers  hereunto,  feeling  the  necessity  of  baying  a  conve- 
nient house  of  worship  in  our  village,  agree  to  pa}'  the  sums  affixed  to 
our  names  toward  the  erection  of  a  church  edifice  for  the  worship  of  Al- 
mighty God,  to  be  located  within  the  bounds  of  the  village  of  Blooiris- 
bury;  provided  that  said  church  edifice  shall  be  owned  and,  occupied  by 
a  congregation  hereafter  t  >  be  organized  to  be  entitled  and  called  the 
First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloomsbury.  Said  congregation  shall 
elect  officers  and  call  a  pastor  to  preside  over  and  minister  unto  said 
church  and  congregation,  and  shall  enjoy  all  the  immunities  and  privi- 
leges granted  and  allotted  to  such  churches  and  congregations  accord- 
ing to  the  forms  and  usages  of  the  Presbyterian  church.'" 

The  following  names  are  found  attached  to  this  paper,  viz:  Henry 
Gardner,  Robert  H.  Kennedy,  James  Bird,  S.  0.  Smith,  Win.  S.  Gard- 
ner, John  Garter,  H.  R.  Kennedy,  Win.  J.  Smith,  Moses  Robins,  Joseph 
Lair,  Win.  Tinsman,  J.  W.  Willever,  J.  Gardner,  J.  Hance,  Win.  S. 
Ilulsizer,  Joseph  B.  Boss,  Abram  James,  Sarah  A.  Carter,  Peter  Smith, 
Jacob  Vliet,  Hannah  Williamson,  James  J.  Willever,  Robert  I.  Smith, 
J.  C.  Stewart,  Theodore  Gardner,  Benjamin  Parker,  Samuel  Jeramber- 
ger,  Charles  Petty,  John  R.  Smith,  E.  T.  Vliet,  Abram  Hance,  and  Da- 
vid F.  Wean.  These  persons  subscribed  a  sum  amounting  in  the  ag- 
gregate to  81075. 

A  petition  signed  by  one  hundred  and  twenty-nine  persons  was  present- 
ed to  the  Newton  Presbytery  at  its  meeting,  Oct.  0.  1857,  by  Wm.  J. 
Smith  and  John  T.  Bird,  asking  that  the  church  be  organized.  The  re- 
quest was  granted  and  the  following  committee  was  appointed  to  carry 
into  effect  the  wishes  of  the  people,  viz:  Revs.  Hugh  K  Wilson,  D.D., 


First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloomsbury.  1 7 

J.  Arudt  Riley,  George  C.  Bush,  with  ruling  elders  Peter   Winter,  of 
Harmony,  Adam  R.  Reese,  of  Phillipsburg,  and  Philip  MjUchler,  of  As 
bujrj.    The  committee  convened  hi  the  Metliodist  Episcopal  church   of 
Bloomsbury'  on  Oct.'  29.  of  that  year  and  attended  to  the  duties  of  their 
appointment.  "The  record  of  the  meeting  is  as  follows: 

"Certain  members  of  the  church  of  Greenwich,  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Newton, 'assembled  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church  of  Bloom  si  >ury 
lor  tlieSprrpose  of  organizing  a  church  to  be  called  the  1st  Presbyterian 
Church of  Bloomsbury,  in  pursuance  of  certain  action  of*  said  Presby- 
tery by  appointing  a  committee  thereitiiiBo^  whereat  the  Rev.  Doctor 
Wilson  presided,  by  order oY'safd  cominifvteet"  The  following  members 
were  received  for  organization,  viz:  John  Ti  Bird, Wm.  J.  Smith,  Sarah 
ElSmith,  tfbhn  R.  Smith,1  Sarah  C.  Smith,  Mary  Hulsizer,  Nancy  Mitch- 
ell; Lydia  Cochran,  Sarah  Stiher,  Margaret  Hance,  Thomas  Young,  Re- 
becca  AntfYouiirg,  #9fin  Hance,  Catharine  Hance,  Jane  R.  Smith,  An- 
nie^arkigf,'1'Wbtlim',Haiee,iSusan  Housel,1  Susan  McPherson,  Penelope 
McPherson,  Deborah  Young,  Peter  Hart,  Mary  Hart,  Annie  Creveling, 
HenryiGardner,  Elisabeth  L^Keftnedy,  Henry  R.  Kennedy,  Elisabeth 
GardnfeFyiMiriani  K.  Kennedy;?  IMvid  F.  Wean,  Absalom  James,  Rob- 
ert I.. Smith,  MaryxH.  Smith,' Wm.  S.  Gardner,  Rachel  Tinsman,  Joseph 
C.Smit^,  James  Bird,  Mary. Bird,  Emily  A.  Hulsizer,  AbramW.  Smith, 
Wm.  $. -Hulsizer,  and  (W(Hi.  Tinsman — fortvrtjwo  in  all,  among  whom 
were  twenty-six  heads  of  families. 

..Jhe  same  day  James  BL«],  Henry  R.  Kennedy,  Wm.  Tinsman  and 
Whj.  J.  Smith  were  leleoted  to, the  office  of  ruling  elder,  and  after  a  re- 
ce^s|,(in  the  evening,  allr(except  Mr.  Tjusinan,  ,who  was  afterwards  or- 
dained) wer^or^lajued  ,^d  installed  in.  their  office.  The  congregation 
convened  in, the  school  lioufte  in  the  village  on  the  tenth  day  of  Novem- 
ber of  the  same  year,  pursuant  to  an  order  of  the  Presbyterial  commit- 
tee. At  this  meeting  Re  v.,  George  C.  Bush  presided.  Upon  this  date 
session  received  Wm.  Tinsman^  by  certificate  from  the  Lutheran  church 
and  he  w;as  ordained  and  installed  an  elder.  The  congregation  pro- 
ceeded to  elect  John  T.  Bird,  Wm.  S.  Hulsizer,  John  Hance,   and  Rob- 


18  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloomsbury. 

ert  I.  Smith,  deacons.  All  but  the  last  two  were  accordingly  set  apart 
to  that  office.  At  the  same  time  Wm.  S.  Gardner,  Abram  Hanee,  and 
Joseph  W.  Willever  were  elected  trustees.  The>e  trustees,  under  date 
of  Nov.  10.  1857,  signed  and  sealed  their  declaration  of  the  corporate 
existence  of  the  "First  Presbyterian  Church' of  Bloomsbury,"  in  the  fol- 
lowing  form,  viz: 

"Whereas  a  meeting  was  held  on  the tepth  day  of  November,.., A,,  VL),, 
1857,  by  the  congregation  hereinafter  to  be  named,  for  the   purpose, ..of. 
electing  trustees  of  said  congregation,  at  least  ten  days  previous  notice 
of  such  meeting  having  been  given  by  an  advertisement  in   open  view, 
at  the  place  of  such  meeting,  we,  Willain  S  Gardner,  Abram  Hanee,  and 
Joseph  W.  Willever  being  elected  trustees  by  a  phiraljty .  of  vo^es  of 
such  of  the  said  congregation  as  were  present,   we  do  hereby  certify 
that  we  have  taken  upon  ourselves  the  name  of  'The   First  Presbyte- 
rian Church  of  Bloomsbury.'     Given  under  our  hands  and  seals  this  six- 
teenth day  of  November,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight 
hundred  and  fifty-seven." 

(Signed.)      ,.  W.  S.  Gardner.  .  seal.      ,,,.. 

Abram  Hance.  seal. 

Joseph  W.  Willever.      seal. 

This  document  was  duly  recorded  Nov.  17.  in  Hunterdon  cdunty  rec- 
ords, where  it  may  be  found,  Special  Deeds  Folio,  vol.  Ill,  pp.  376,  377.' 

Following  immediately  upon  this,  Mr.  Adam  D.   Runkle  donaied'  ftTf 
suitable  piece  of  land  to  the  congregation  upon  which  to  erect  a  hxttiSe 
of  worship,  deeding  the  same  over  to  them  under  date  of  Nov.  19.  1857.17 

On  Dec.  10.  1857,  session  received  a  letter  from  Eev.  Sidney  G.  Lawf 
of  Brooklyn  (formerly  of  Iowa),  asking  for  an  opportunity  tOpf£a^h'-t!#u 
the  people  as  a  candidate  for  the  pastoral  office  in  the  congregatiottr'5 
Jan.  19.  1858,  session  directed  that  he  be  invited  to  visit  the'  congrega- 
tion, which  he  did,  preaching  two  Sabbaths  and  delivering  a  week  day 
lecture.  At  the  same  time,  Jan.  19.  action  was  taken  with  reference  to 
seeking  supplies  from  the  theological  seminaries  at  Princeton  and  New 
Brunswick.     Jan.  27.  a  letter  was  received  from  Prof.  W.  Henry  Green, 


First  $*resbyteri<m  Church  of  Bloomsbary,  10 

of  Princeton  Seminary,  recommending  Rev.  Frederick  A.  King,  of  Rail- 
way, and  Rev.  W.  E.  Westervelt,  of  Patterson,  New  Jersey.  On  Feb. 
14.  session  invited  both  Mr.  King  and  Mr.  Westervelt  to  visit  the  con- 
gregation and  preach  its  candidates.  They  both  came  and  preached 
two  Sabbaths  and  delivered  a  week  day  lecture.  The  congregation 
now  authorized  the  session  to  call  a  meeting  for  the  election  of  a  pastor. 
Messrs.  H.  R.  Kennedy  and  Wm.  Tinsman  were  appointed  a  committee 
to  invite  Rev.  Messrs.  George  C.  Bush  and  James  lowers  to  assist  in 
the  contemplated  election.  This  committee  reporjtjejl  0,11  March  4.  that 
Mr.  Bush  was  absent  from  home,  whereupon  Rev*  J.  Y.  Mitchell  and 
Dr.  A.  H.  Hand  were  invited  to  attend,  The,  congregation  convened 
in  the  school  house  on  March  3.  1858,  for  the  purpose,,  qf  taking  steps 
for  the"  election  of  a  pastor,  It  was  dqciaed  that  a  jn^tjng  for  this 
purpose  should  be  held  on  the Jk  of  March.  The  congregation  accord- 
ingly convened  on  March  (i.  1858.  Rev,  J.  Y.  Mitchell^ .of Phillipsburg, 
presided,,  being  assisted  by  Rev.  A.  H.  Hand,  D.D,fiojf  Greenwich,  who 
offered  prayer  after  the  singing  of  a  hymn.  A  sermon,, was  preached 
by  Mr.  Mitchell,  after  which  the  election  was  entere<i  into.  The  choice 
fell  upon  Mr.  W.  E.  Westervelt,  a  licentiate  of  the  Presbytery  of  Pas- 
saic. The  meeting  directed  that  the  can  be  signed  by  a  special  com- 
mitte  consisting  of  the  following  persons,  viz:  Henry  Gardner,  Sr.,  Ad- 
am D.  Runkle,  and  Robert  H.  Kennedy.  Mr.  Mitchell  was  authorized 
to  notify  Mr.  Westervelt  of  his  election. 

At  a  meeting  held  March  22.  the  congregation  appointed  Messrs. 
Wm.  Tinsman  and  Spencer  C.  Smith  commissioners  to  prosecute  the 
call  for  the  newly  elected  pastor  before  Presbytery.  >r£he  commission- 
ers accordingly  appeared  in  Presbytery,  Apr.  6.  at  the  Musconetcong 
Valley  Church,  and  presented  the  call  for  Mr.  Westervelt's  services. 
The  same  being  found  in  order  was  placed  in  his  hands  and  accepted 
by  him.  Presbytery  thereupon  appointed  a  committee  to  arrange  for 
the  examination,  ordination,  and  installation  of  Mr.  Westervelt,  who 
made  the  following  report,  viz :  the  time  to  be  Apr.  15.  ensuing;  the 
Moderator,  Rev.  Henry  Reeves,  of  Beividere,  to  preside  and  propose 


'20  First  Presbyterian  Chunk  of  Bloonisbury. 

the  constitutional  questions;  Rev.  W.  C.  Cattell  to  preach  Jthe  sermon; 
Rev.  Dr.  Hugh  Wilson,  of  Hackettstown,  to  charge  the  pastor;  and 
Rev.  George  0.  Bush,  of  Stevrartsville,  to  charge  the  people.  The  trial 
sermon  was  to  be  founded  upon  Rom.  5  :  1.  The  Presbytery  according- 
ly met  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church  of  Bloonisbury  at  the  time 
appointed,  at  10  o'clock,  A.  M.,  and  was  called  to  order  by;  R^v1.'  'George 
C.  Bush,  the  last  Moderator  present.  Mr.  Westervelt  was  examineu  in 
the  forenoon,  and  at  2  o'clock  in  the  afternBoh  the"*'  Omi nation  services 
took  place.  In  the  absence  of  Rev.  Mr.  ReeVes,  Dr!  A.  Hl-H^ind  presi- 
ded, proposed  the  constitutional  questions  ami  oftere'd "'%fic  ordaining 
prayer;  Rev.  W.  C.  Cattell  preached  the  sermon;  and'Re'v.  S.  McNair, 
of  Washington,  gave  the  charge  to  the  pastor;  and  Rev.  George  C. 
Bush  gave  the  charge  to  the  people. 

Mr.  Westervelt  having  been 'thus  installed  on  Apr.  15!' 1858,  went  for- 
ward with  his  work  among  the  people.  At  a  meeting  oi  session  held 
June  13.  1858,  the  question  of  making  Jugtown  a  preaci'drrg  point  was 
discussed,  and  the  pastor  was  instructed  to  write  to  Rev.  James  Lew- 
ers,  of  Asbury,  aud  inquire  if  such  step  would  be  regarded  by  him  as 
an  encroachment  upon  his  field  of  labor'.  At  this  meeting  it  was  form- 
ally decided  that  the  singing  in  the  church  should  be  under  the  comfrbl 
of  the  session.  The  pastor  was  requested  to  draw  up  a  set  of  rules  and 
regulations  for  the  government  of  the  singing.  This  he  did,  reporting 
the  same  Jim.  18.     They  are  as  follows: 

"Impressed  with  the  importance  of  having  our  church  music  conduc- 
ted in  a  manner  that  will  be  in  keeping  with  its  acknowledged  sacred 
character,  aud  that  will  be  best  adapted  to  the  spiritual  edification  of 
all;  and  moreover,  wishing  to  avoid  if  possible,  those  serious  evils 
which  so  generally  are  connected  with  this  part  of  divine  worship;  we, 
the  session  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloonisbury  do  unani- 
mously adopt  the  following  resolutions  and  regulations, viz : 

Resolved  I.  That  the  music  of  this  church  be  under  the  immediate 
supervision  and  control  of  its  session. 

Resolved  II.     That  the  performer  on  the  instrument  be   selected   from 


First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Blooms  bury.  21 

among  the  members  of  the  congregation.     [Player  has  had  no  salary.] 

Resolved  III.  That  the  singing  shall  be  conducted  by  a  choir,  which 
shall  be  subject  to  the  following  regulations,  viz : 

1.  The  number  of  members  constituting  the  choir  shall  be  limited  to 
twelve.     (Changed  to  fifteen  Sep.  6.) 

2.  No  one  shall  be  a  member  of  the  choir  who  is  not  a  regular  mem- 
ber of  the  congregation. 

3.  Every  member  of  the  choir  is  exacted  to  perform  regularly  his  oi- 
lier part  of  the  duties  of  the  choir. 

4.  The  tunes  sung  during  service  shall  be  taken  from  collections  of 
music  approved  by  the  session. 

5.  If  set  pieces  of  music,  sung  or  played  previous  to  or  at  the  opening 
of  the  service,  they  shall  either  be  taken  from  collections  specified  in 
Keg.  4.,  or  else  they  shall  have  previously  received  the  approval  of 
session. 

G.  The  practice  of  singing  or  performing  on  the  instrument  while  the 
congregation  are  retiring  from  the  house,  is  prohibited. 

7.  Not  more  than  one  new  tune  shall  be  introduced  on  each  Sabbath. 

8.  Members  of  the  choir  have  no  right  to  invite  others,  not  members, 
to  take  seats  with  them  in  the  choir. 

9.  On  special  occasions  the  choir  may,  with  the  concurrence  of  the 
session,  invite  some  other  choir,  or  spcified  number  of  experienced  sing- 
ers to  unite  with  and  assist  them. 

10.  Seats  shall  be  assigned  to  the  different  members  of  the  choir  by 
its  leader;  and  there  shall  be  no  changing  of  seats  without  his  permiss- 
ion. 

11.  The  above  regulations  shall  be  signed  by  the  several  members  of 
the  choir. 

The  deacons  were  also  authorized  to  have  charge  of  the  collections  in 
the  church,  not  only  for  the  poor  but  also  for  all  benevolent  objects. 
Aug.  1.  session  received  information  from  Mr.  Lewers  that  there  would 
be  no  objection  to  the  occupying  of  the  school  house  at  Jugtown  by  the 
Bloomsbury  congregation  one   Sabbath   in   four  weeks.      Accordingly 


22  First  Presbyterian  Chunk  of  JBloonisbury. 

that  day,  Aug,  1.,  services  were  commenced  at  that  point.  It  was  ar- 
ranged that  there  should  be  a  prayer  meeting  at  Bloom sbury  at  such 
times  as  the  pastor  was  absent  holding-  services  at  Jugtown,  the  second 
service  at  Bloomsbury  at  this  time  being  held  in  the  afternoon. 

Up  to  this  time  the  people  had  been  holding  their  services  in  the 
public  school  house,  and  "were  at  the  same  time  busily  engaged  in  the 
erection  of*  their  new  church  building.  It  was  now  rapidly  approaching 
completion.  It  is  a  commodious  frame  structure,  44  by  08  feet,  neatly 
finished  and  furnished,  with  a  seating  capacity  of  700.  Galleries  ex- 
tend around  three  sides  of  the  room.  From  bills  on  record  it  would 
seem  the  building  cost  the  following  sums,  viz : 

Basement  $790.71 

Superstructure— by  A.  It.  Dilt.s  4638.10 

Furnishing  148.20 


Total  $5583.1<* 

On  the  0.  of  September  the  subject  of  the  dedication  of  the  new 
church  was  taken  up.  The  time  lixed  upon  as  the  commencement  of 
these  exercises  was  Oct.  7.,  at  10  o'clock  A.  M.  There  were  to  be  two 
services  a  day  for  four  days,  viz:  Thursday,  Friday,  Saturday  and  Sab- 
bath. On  Sabbath  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  supper  was  to  be 
administered.  Bev.  D.  X.  Junkin,  D.D.,  of  Holidaysburg,  Penn.,  was 
chosen  to  preach  the  dedicatory  sermon.  The  selection  of  persons  to 
officiate  at  the  other  services  was  left  to  the  pastor  of  the  church.  It- 
was  decided  to  invite  to  these  services  the  ministers  and  congregations 
of  the  Newton  Presbytery,  together  with  the  following  ministers  and 
congregations,  viz:  Bev.  Messrs.  Coleman,  Plit,  Conkling,  Hiukle,  Will- 
iamson and  McNair. 

At  this  meeting  (Sep.  0.)  Mrs.  H.  B.  Kennedy  was  elected  organist. 
Mr.  John  T.  Bird,  the  leader  of  the  choir,  having  removed  from  the 
congregation,  resigned  his  position  and  Bobert  I.  Smith  was  appointed 
to  till  the  same.  The  Moderator  was  requested  to  meet  with  the  choir 
and  fix  upon  some  book  of  Psalmody  to  be  used  in  the  congregation. 
The  choice  made  was  that  of  the  Old  School  branch  of  the  church. 


First  Presbyterian  Chunk  of  JBlo&msbwry.  2a 

On  Oct.  3.,  in  order  to  suit  the  convenience  of  Dr.  Junkiu,  the  time 
lor  the  dedicatory  services  of  the  church  was  changed  from  the  7.  to 
the  14.  inst.  These  services  accordingly  took  place  at  this  time  sub- 
stantially as  arranged  on  the  0,  of  Sept.  previous.  Upon  that  day  a 
collection  was  taken  up  amounting  to  $104.09.  On  Oct.  1G.  Dr.  Junkiu 
was  requested  to  furnish  a  copy  of  his  dedicatory  sermon  for  publication. 
It  was  also  decided  at  this  time  that  the  expenses  of  delegates  from  the 
congregation  to  Synod  should  be  borne  by  the  congregation. 

The  people  had  now  become  possessed  of  a  suitable  place  in  which  to 
hold  their  services.  In  anticipation  of  the  future  needs  of  the  congre- 
gation they  had  also,  during  the  year  1858,  purchased  a  piece  of  ground 
adjoining  that  donated  by  Mr.  Runkle  as  a  site  for  a  church  building. 

Whilst  seeming  to  be  prospered  they  were  soon  to  be  called  upon  to 
lament  a  discouraging  calamity  which  befel  their  building.  A  terrihe 
storm  swept  through  the  valley  which  blew  down  the  steeple,  cracked 
the  bell,  and  otherwise  injured  the  structure.  The  people  however  soon 
set  to  work  to  repair  the  damage.  On  Feb.  9.  1859,  a  meeting  of  the 
congregation  was  held  at  which  it  was  decided  to  "repair  the  church 
immediately  beginning  from  the  foundation  up."  The  work  was  to  be 
done  by  contract  and  the  money  therefor  was  to  be  raised  by  subscrip- 
tion. Messrs.  S.  C.  Smith  and  John  Hance  were  added  to  a  committee 
of  the  trustees  to  superintend  the  work.  Messrs.  Wm.  J.  Smith,  S.  C. 
Smith,  John  Carter,  James  Stewart,  Rev.  Wm.  E.  Westervelt,  Henry 
Gardner,  Sr.,  Thomas  Young,  Joseph  C.  Smith,  John  E.  Smith  and 
Wm.  Tinsmau  were  appointed  a  committee  to  solicit  contributions  from 
the  different  churches  to  meet  the  expenses  of  these  repairs.  At  the 
same  time  Messrs.  Robert  I.  Smith  and  H.  R.  Kennedy  were  appointed 
a  committee  to  procure  a  bell.  The  work  here  referred  to  was  done  by 
the  Kellars,  of  Easton,  Penu.  James  Gardner  was  an  active  and  lead- 
ing-participant on  the  part  of  the  congregation,  in  securing  a  reparation 
of  the  injury  sustained  by  the  building.  Wm.  Chapman,  of  Chapman's 
Quarries,  Northampton  county,  Penn.,  from  whom  had  been  purchased 
the  original  roof,  now  donated  slate  for  a  new  roof  and  had  the  same 
put  on  at  his  own  expense. 


24  Jflrst  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloomsburu, 

Nov.  1.  1859,  the  hour  of  the  second  service,  which  had  been  in  the 
afternoon,  was  changed  to  evening-.  At  this  time  the  question  of  ma- 
king Garrison's  school  house,  on  Musconetcong  mountain,  a  preaching 
point  was  discussed,  but  no  definite  action  taken  relative  thereto.  The 
question  was  discussed  of  dividing  the  congregation  into  districts  to  be 
under  the  supervision  of  the  different  members  of  session  for  a  given 
time,  during  which  they  were  to  visit  the  families  assigned  to  them  and 
at  the  end  of  the  specified  time  report  to  session.  Decision  upon  the 
matter  was  deferred  until  after  the  pastor  should  preach  on  the  subject 
of  the  duties  of  ruling  elders.  The  question  of  securing  a  better  sttend- 
ance  upon  the  prayer  meeting  was  discussed:  also  that  of  having  a  sess- 
ional conference  and  prayer  meeting  statedly.  This  met  with  approval 
of  all,  but  definite  action  thereon  was  deferred  to  a  future  meeting. 

On  May  14.  18(50,  the  question  of  dividing  up  the  congregation  into 
districts  was  again  taken  up.  The  following  division  was  made,  viz: 
"To  Mr.  Tinsman  were  assigned  all  the  families  on  the  south  side  of  the 
Musconetcong  creek  and  east  of  Mrs.  Widow  Boss'  place,  whose  house 
is  the  starting  point;  to  Mr.  Bird  were  assigned  all  the  families  on  the 
same  side  of  the  creek  westward  from  his  own  house,  as  far  as  church 
street,  with  three  families  on  it;  to  Mr.  Kennedy  were  assigned  all  the 
families  on  the  north  side  of  the  creek;  and  to  Mr.  Smith  those  on  the 
south  side  westward  from  church  street  and  southward  from  Alexan- 
dria street  to  the  uttermost  bounds  of  the  congregation,  excepting  the 
families  of  Messrs.  John  R.  Smith  and  Peter  R.  Smith."  It  was  now 
decided  that  the  pastor  should  preach  on  the  subject  of  the  duties  of 
ruling  elders,  on  Sabbath,  May  27.,  and  at  that  time  acquaint  the  people 
with  the  action  of  session  as  to  districting  the  congregation. 

Oct.  14.  18G0,  Mrs.  H.  R.  Kennedy  resigned  the  position  .of  organist 
and  Miss  Mary  Smith  was  appointed  to  fill  the  vacancy. 

Mr.  Westervelt  having  expressed  his  desire  to  resign  the  pastoral 
charge  of  the  congregation,  a  special  meeting  of  Presbytery  was  held  at 
Bloomsbury,  July  2.  1861.  After  hearing  Mr.  Westervelt,  and  Spencer 
G.  Smith,  the  commissioner  from  the  congregation,  the  pastoral  relation 


First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloomsbury. 


zo 


was  dissolved.  The  church  was  granted  leave  to  supply  its  own  pulpit, 
and  Rev.  Mr.  Tully  was  appointed  to  declare  the  pulpit  vacant,  on  the 
succeeding  Sabbath.  During  the  pastorate  of  Mr.  Westervelt  forty-one 
persons  had  been  received  into  the  church,  sixteen  on  profession  and 
twenty-five  by  certificate.  These  with  the  forty-two  who  came  in  at 
the  organization,  made  a  membership  of  eighty-three,  Jan.  13.  1801. 
Seven  couples  had  been  married  and  nineteen  infants  had  been  bap- 
tized. 


CHAPTER  III. 

PRELIMINARIES  TO  REUNION.  PASTORATE  OF 
REV-  MR.  VAN  DYKE. 

(Jailing  of  second  pastor.  Church  transferred  from  Newton  to  Raritan  Pres- 
bytery. Revival  of  1861.  Sabbath  school  work.  Dissensions.  Outposts  at 
Garrison's,  Bethlehem  and  Franklin  school  houses.  Election  of  additional  elder 
and  deacons.  Reunion.  Pastor's  salary  increased.  Church  injured  by  light- 
ning.    Resignation  of  second  pastor. 

On  July  7.  1861,  session  invited  Mr.  Joseph  S.  VanDyke,  a  licentiate 
of  the  Presbytery  of  Elisabethtown,  to  preach  the  next  Sabbath  as  a 
candidate  for  the  pastoral  office  in  the  congregation,  with  the  under- 
standing that  subsequent  opportunity  to  preach  would  be  afforded  by 
session.  This  invitation  was  accordingly  accepted  by  Mr.  VanDyke. 
On  July  21.  he  was  invited  again  to  preach  as  a  candidate  on  two  suc- 
ceeding Sabbaths,  which  invitation  he  also  accepted.  On  Aug.  4.  sess- 
ion received  two  petitions  of  like  import  signed  by  one  hundred   and 


2b'  First  I'fcxbykrkut.  Church  of  Bloonmbary. 

thirty-six  members  and  supporters  of  the  church,  requesting  them  to 
call  a  meeting  for  the  election  of  a  pastor.  The  request  was  granted 
and  the  time  for  the  meeting  was  iixed  for  Tuesday.  Aug.  G.,  at  2  o'clock 
P.  M.  Elders  James  Bird  and  Win.  Tinsman  were  appointed  a  com- 
mittee to  invite  Rev,  George  0.  Bush  to  preside  at  the  meeting.  The 
congregation  accordingly  met  on  Aug.  0.,  Mr.  Bush  presiding,  at  which 
time  Mr.  VauDyke  was  elected  pastor,  on  a  salary  of  §050,  payable 
semiannually.  The  call  was  signed  by  all  the  officers  of  the  church 
present  and  attested  by  the  moderator  and  secretary  of  the  meeting. 

On  Aug.  24.,  the  question  of  holding  services  at  Hawk's  school  house 
was  discussed  and  elder  Smith  was  appointed  to  accompany  the  pastor 
elect  to  that  point  to  ascertain  if  such  service  was  desirable. 

Sep.  20.  in  accordance  with  action  previously  taken  in  congregation- 
al meeting,  session  recorded  the  appointment  of  S.  C.  Smith  and  Daniel 
Williamson  as  commissioners  to  prosecute  the  call  for  Mr.  YanDyke 
before  the  Presbytery.  These  gentlemen  accordingly  appeared  in  Pres- 
bytery and  performed  the  duty  assigned  them.  Oct.  10.  Mr.  VanDyke 
preached  his  ordination  sermon  and  was  installed  pastor  of  the  church. 

In  1801  the  Bloomsbury  church,  with  others,  was  transferred  from 
the  Presbytery  of  [Newton  to  that  of  Raritan.  In  December  of  this 
year  there  was  considerable  religious  interest  manifested  in  the  congre- 
gation, and  on  the  14.  and  15.  of  that  month,  twenty-two  of  the  young 
people  were  admitted  to  church  membership  by  profession  of  their  faith 
in  Christ,  besides  others  by  certificate.  A  series  of  special  services  was 
arranged  and  neighboring  ministers  invited  to  assist  in  the  same. 
Dec.  28.  a  meeting  of  session  was  held  at  which  two  questions  were  con- 
sidered, viz :  "1.  To  consider  the  propriety  of  having  a  meeting  of  sess- 
ion for  the  purpose  of  receiving  to  church  membership  those  desirous  of 
applying  with  a  view  of  making  their  public  profession  at  our  next 
communion.  2.  To  consider  the  propriety  of  granting  the  privilege  of 
communing  with  the  Greenwich  church  to-morrow,  to  such  new  converts 
as  shall  have  passed  the  session  and  desire  it."  The  session  decided  to 
hold  a  meeting  for  the  examination  of  applicants,  but  did  not  accord  to 
them  the  privilege  of  communing  at  Greenwich  before  making  a  public 


First  Pre&byterion  Qhurch  of  Blaomsbwry.  27 

profession  of  their  faith.  Session  accordingly  met  Jan.  3.  1862  and  re. 
ceived  by  profession  of  faith  in  Christ,  twelve  persons,  and  resolved  to 
continue  the  series  of  meetings  which  had  been  in  progress  up  to  this 
time.  It  was  also  resolved  that  a  special  communion  season  be  observ- 
ed on  the  first  Sabbath  of  February.  On  Feb.  1.  and  2.  five  were  re- 
ceived by  profession  and  five  by  certificate. 

March  20.  18G2,  the  congregation  elected  Theodore  Gardner,  Joseph 
C.  Smith  and  Wm.  Vliet  trustees.  March  23.  it  was  decided  that  the 
sacrament  of  the  Lord's  supper  should  be  administered  four  times  a 
year,  viz :  on  second  Sabbath  ot  February,  May,  August  and  November. 

May  11.  the  subject  of  the  Sabbath  school  was  discussed  and  the  pas- 
tor was  requested,  at  his  convenience,  to  enlighten  the  congregation  as 
to  its  wants  and  their  duty  in  relation  thereto. 

Aug.  10.  the  subject  of  petitioning  Synod  to  return  the  church  from 
the  care  of  the  Raritan  to  its  former  relations  with  the  Presbytery  of 
Newton  was  discussed,  aud  Sep.  28.  it  was  decided  to  convene  the  con- 
gregation to  obtain  an  expression  of  their  opinion  in  the  matter.  The 
congregational  meeting  was  held  Oct.  11.  18G2,  at  which  time  it  was  de- 
cided to  remain  in  connection  with  the  Presbytery  of  Raritan. 

Notwithstanding  there  had  been  in  past,  evidences  of  the  Holy  Spir- 
it's presence  among  the  people,  it  soon  became  manifest  that  the  Evil 
one  was  also  busy.  Dissensions  arose  which  distracted  the  church  and 
impeded  the  progress  of  the  work.  A  number  absented  themselves 
from  the  ordinances  and  in  other  respects  manifested  their  indisposition 
to  cooperate  with  the  church  in  its  work.  The  matter  became  so  fla- 
grant as  to  demand  the  official  consideration  of  it  by  the  session.  Ac- 
cordingly at  a  meeting  of  session  held  Jan.  24.  1864,  "The  pastor  made 
a  statement  of  the  unhappy  dissensions  in  the  church,  and  proposed 
that  a  committee  of  the  session  be  appointed  to  visit  those  who  by  their 
absence  from  the  stated  ordinances  and  services  of  the  church  have 
seemed  to  be  alienated  in  feeling.  After  serious  discussion  the  meas- 
ure was  approved,  and  session  entertained  the  hope  that  through  the 
guidings  of  the  providence  of  God  this  course  prayerfully  pursued  will 


28  'First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloornsbary. 

bring  about  reconciliation  and  peace  in  our  beloved  Zion.  The  pastor 
with  elders  Bird  and  Tinsmaii  were  appointed  on  this  committee.  The 
committee  reported  Oct.  14.  that  "In  most  cases  they  found,  cause  lor 
encouragement  and  believe  that  they  will  return  to  their  duty  in  the 
church,  but  in  one  case  they  entertain  no  hope  of  return." 

Notwithstanding  the  discouraging  aspect  of  affairs  in  the  congrega- 
tion, the  work  of  carrying  the  truth  to  those  who  were  on  the  outskirts 
was  not  neglected.  March  27.  1864.  it  Mas  decided  that  preaching  ser- 
vices should  be  held  thereafter  every  fourth  Sabbath  alternately  at  Gar- 
rison's, Bethlehem  and  Franklin  school  houses.  At  the  latter  place  the 
attendance  was  large  and  interesting  and  indicative  of  good  in  the  fu- 
ture. On  this  account  the  second  service  at  the  church  was  to  be  held 
only  once  a  month.  At  this  time  the  pastor  reported  favorably  of  the 
attendance  at  the  outposts  and  that  the  prospects  of  the  church  were 
brightening.  It  was  thus  made  manifest  that  the  judicious  use  of  the 
means  of  grace  had  not  been  without  effect  in  correcting  some  of  the 
evils  existing  in  the  congregation. 

Apr.  1.  I860,  it  was  arranged  to  hold  a  congregational  meeting  on 
Apr.  14.  for  the  purpose  of  electing  one  elder,  five  trustees  and  two 
deacons.  The  meeting  Avas  held  according  to  appointment,  at  which 
time  Henry  V.  Brittain  was  elected  elder;  Charles  E.  Williamson,  Mo- 
ses Robins  and  Charles  Petty,  deacons;  Win.  Vliet,  Abram  Hance,  Jos- 
eph W.  Willever,  Theodore  Gardner,  Robert  T.  Smith,  Daniel  William- 
son and  Wm  Welsh,  trustees.  It  was  decided  to  ordain  the  elder  and 
deacons  elect  the  ensuing  Sabbath. 

In  the  latter  part  of  I860  the  officers  of  the  church  felt  the  import- 
ance of  arousing  the  people  to  a  greater  activity  and  more  unreserved 
consecration  to  the  Master's  work.  Accordingly  on  Nov.  11.  1866,  it 
was  arranged  to  hold  a  sessional  prayer  meeting  on  the  first  Sabbath  of 
each  month,  and  a  communicants  prayer  meeting  each  Sabbath  previ- 
ous to  communion.  Whilst  thus  looking  after  the  internal  welfare  of 
the  congregation  the  session  was  not  blind  to  the  great  inter6sts  of  Zi- 
on in  general.     At  this  time  the  question  of  reunion  of  the  two  branch- 


Fird  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloomsbury.  2!> 

es  of  the  church  was  claiming  the  atteution  of  the  people.  To  show 
their  interest  in  the  matter  the  session,  on  Sep.  22. 1SG7,  instructed  its 
delegate  to  Synod  to  support  Synodical  action  looking  to  the  reunion  of 
the  Presbyterian  church,  and  thus  revealed  its  attitude  toward  the 
great  result  which  was  consummated  in  1870. 

At  the  close  of  this  year  the  people  took  commendable  action  in  the 
matter  of  the  pastor's  salary,  as  will  be  seen  by   the   following  record: 

"Bloomsbury,  Dec.  28.  1867.  Whereas  the  Presbytery  of  Raritau  at 
its  late  meeting  passed  a  resolution  requesting  the  officers  of  our  church- 
es to  inquire  into  the  sufficiency  of  the  salaries  of  the  pastors  of  our 
churches,  the  congregation  of  the  First  Church  of  Bloomsbury  being- 
called  for  such  purpose  by  request  of  the  officers,  who  having  inquired 
into  the  case  ol  our  pastor,  the  Rev.  Joseph  S.  VauDyke,  have  found 
such  to  be  the  case  in  regard  to  our  pastor.  Accordingly  a  meeting 
was  called  for  the  purpose  of  raising  the  pastor's  salary.  Said  meeting 
appointed  a  committee  of  five  persons  (trustees  of  the  church)  to  assess 
the  pews  of  our  church  to  raise  the  present  salary  to  one  thousand  dol- 
lars.   Accordingly  the  pews  were  assessed  to  raise  that  amount." 

Following  upon  the  increasing  of  the  pastor's  salary,  the  people  were 
called  upon  to  meet  an  additional  expense.  This  arose  from  the  church 
needing  repairs  as  seen  from  the  following  record,  viz  : 

"Bloomsbury,  March  28.  18C8.     In  pursuance  of  regular  notice,  a  con- 
gregational meeting  was  held  in  this  church,  organized  by   appointing 
Wm.  J.  Smith,  president,  and  Henry  B.  Kennedy,  secretary.    .The  fol- 
lowing preamble  and  resolutions  were  adopted: 
Whereas  the  steeple  and  other  parts  of  our  church  need  repairs,  therefore 

Resolved  that  the  trustees  be  and  hereby  are  empowered  to  repaint 
and  repair  the  church  as  they  deem  necessary,  the  expenditure  therefor 
not  to  exceed  three  hundred  dollars." 

"The  present  board  of  trustees  was  unanimously  reelected  for  the  en- 
suing term  of  one  year." 

At  a  meeting  duly  called  on  May  1.  1869,  the  congregation  united 
with  the  pastor  iu  asking  the  Presbytery  of  Raritan  to  dissolve  the  pas- 


LlO  First  Presbyterian,  Church  of  Bloomsbury. 

toral  relation  existing-  between  him  and  them  that  he  might   accept  a 
eall  to  the  Second  Presbyterian  Church  of  Cranbury,  N.  J. 

Daniel  Williamson  and  Win.  Tinsman  were  appointed  commissioners 
to  communicate  the  action  of  the  church  to  the  Presbytery.  The  Pres- 
bytery dissolved  the  pastoral  relation  May  A.  18(Ji).  During  this  pastor- 
ate of  a  little  more  than  seven  years  and  a  half,  there  were  received  in- 
to (he  church  one  hundred  and  seventeen  persons,  seventy-three  by 
profession  of  their  faith  iu  Christ,  and  forty-four  by  certificate.  There 
were  united  in  marriage  thirty-eight  couples,  and  twenty-nine  children 
were  baptized.  Under  Mr.  YauDyke's  ministry  the  matter  of  church 
discipline  was  not  neglected;  seven  cases  were  taken  up  ami  disposed  of. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

PASTORATE  OF  REV.  MR  SCOTT.  BUILDING  OF 

PARSONAGE. 

Pammage.  Sacramental  occasions.  Call  of  third  j^stor.  Congregation  re- 
districted.  Revival  of  1870.  Outpost  work  declining.  Congregational  rules. 
Church  returns  to  Newton  Presbytery.  Reunion.  Memorial  fund.  Pastor's 
salary  inn-cased.    John  P.  Smith  legacy.    Sexton's  duties.   Storm  injures  church. 

At  the  close  of  Mr.  VanDyke's  pastorate  it  became  manifest  to  the 
congregation  that  the  erection  of  a  parsonage  was  essential  to  the  pros- 
perity of  the  church.  It  was  found  that  with  the  amount  of  salary 
which  the  people  felt  able  to  pay,  the  pastor  could  not  rent  a  house, 
maintain  his  family  and  at  the  same  time  devote  himself  to  the  pastor- 
al work  with  that  efficiency  which  the  circumstances  of  the  case  seemed 


First  Presbyterian  Church  of  JBloomsbury.  31 

to  require.    Accordingly  at  the  meeting1  of  the  congregation.  May  1. 1  lie 
following  action  was  taken  relative  to  the  building  of  a  parsonage: 

"Whereas  the  people  of  this  church  and  congregation  have  long  felt 
the  importance  of  possessing  a  parsonage,  and  in  the  early  period  of 
the  organization  of  this  church,  a  piece  of  ground  was  purchased  for 
such  building,  and 

Whereas  certain  members  of  this  church  have  voluntarily  gone  amidst 
the  congregation  and  submitted  the  matter  to  respective  heads  of  fami- 
lies with  a  view  to  obtain  their  opinion,  and  if  favorable,  to  solicit  sub- 
scriptions toward  the  immediate  erection  of  such  edifice,  and 

Whereas  the  unanimous  sentiment  is  favorable,  and  liberal  donations 
have  been  subscribed  and  assured,  amounting  to  about  $1850,  and  oth- 
er gentlemen  of  the  congregation  and  neighborhood  having  expressed;  a 
determination  to  give  when  the  building  shall  be  in  a  state  of  progress, 
therefore  it  is 

Resolved  that  a  building  committee  be  appointed  and  the  work  com- 
menced immediately." 

The  building  committee  appointed  consisted  of  Messrs.  John  Peters 
and  Moses  Robins.  As  we  have  intimated,  the  people  had  secured  by 
purchase  from  Mr.  Adam  Rankle,  in  1858,  a  lot  of  ground  adjoining 
that  donated  by  him  for  the  site  of  the  church  building.  Upon  this 
piece  of  ground,  which  lay  directly  south  of  the  church  lot,  the  parson- 
age was  erected.  After  a  few  unimportant  additions  and  changes,  it 
furnishes  a  commodious  and  comfortable  home  for  the  pastor  of  the 
church,  being  22  by  59  feet,  ground  plan,  and  containing  twelve  apart- 
meuts  exclusive  of  halls,  pantries,  attics  «&c.  A  congregational  meeting- 
was  held  Nov.  1).  180t),at  which  time  the  committee  appointed  May  1.  of 
that  year,  to  build  the  parsonage,  made  the  following  report, viz: 
Contract  price  $2200.00 

Extras  42.25 

Labor  and  material  by  congregation  not  included      213.28 

Total  $2485.53 


32  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  BlooHi$hi(ri}> 

Amount  on  subscription,  paid  and  unpaid  $2003.00 

Balance  due  and  unpaid  482.5-') 


Total  $2485.53 

The  committee  in  charge  was  continued  to  collect  the  balance  ot  the 
subscriptions,  after  which  the  trustees  were  authorized  to  assume  the 
remainder  of  the  indebtedness.  The  thanks  of  the  congregation  hav- 
ing- been  bestowed  upon  the  committee  who  built  the  parsonage,  atten- 
tion was  immediately  turned,  at  this  meeting,  Nov.  J).,  to  the  matter  of 
erecting  a  barn  for  the  use  of  the  pastors.  In  the  interest  of  this  ob- 
ject Henry  11.  Kennedy  purchased  a  lot  from  the  New  Jersey  Central 
K.  R.  Co.,  which  adjoined  the  church  lot  on  the  north  and  which  fronted 
on  the  centre  street  of  the  village.  This  he  donated  to  the  congrega- 
tion, and  in  due  time  the  desired  building  was  erected  thereon. 

Dining  the  vacancy  succeeding  Mr.  VanDyke's  pastorate,  a  number 
of  ministers  preached  for  the  people,  among  whom  we  find  the  names 
of  Rev.  Messrs.  Jameson,  Kugler,  Dole,  Deruelle,  Simonson,  Grant,  Car- 
rol and  Scott.  The  session  decided,  June  5.  18(59,  to  invite  three  of 
these  ministers  to  preach  three  successive  Sabbaths,  as  candidates, 
commencing  June  13.  The  ministers  to  be  invited  were  Rev.  Messrs. 
John  Simonson,  JJaniel  Deruelle  and  A.  G.  Dole. 

July  11.  the  times  of  observing  the  sacrament  of  the  Lord's  supper 
were  changed  from  the  second  Sabbath  in  February,  May,  August  and 
November  respectively,  to  the  second  Sabbath  in  May,  September  and 
January,  thus  having  three  sacramental  occasions  instead  of  four.  At 
this  time  record  was  made  of  the  fact  that  the  above  named  clergymen 
had  preached  to  the  congregation  as  arranged,  including  also  Rev.  H. 
B.  Scott,  who  had  been  informally  invited.  It  was  thought  the  people 
were  ready  to  elect  a  pastor,  and  the  session  called  a  congregational 
meeting,  to  convene  July  17.,  to  take  action  in  the  matter.  Elder 
James  Bird  was  appointed  a  committee  to  invite  Rev.  J.  B.  Kugler  to 
preside  on  the  occasiou.  The  meeting  was  held  as  appointed,  at  which 
Rev.  H.  B.  Scott  was  elected  pastor. 

On  August  20.  of  this  year  (1869)  the  congregation   was  again   divi- 


First  'Fresbyterian  Church  of  Bloomsbury.  33 

ded  up,   as  it  li'ad  been  done  .previously,  into  districts  as  follows,   viz : 

"Resolved  that  all  the  population  located  south  of  the  Muscouctcong 
river,  and  east  of  the  north  and  south  avenue,  including-  the  families  of 
George  W.  Race  and  Charles  Petit,  be  confided  to  the  care  of  elder 
Win.  Tinsmau;  all  the  population  located  south  of  Bird  street  and  east 
of  Church  street  (in  the  village  of  Bloomsbury),  be  confided  to  the  care 
of  elder  James  Bird;  all  the  population  located  north  of  Bird  street  and 
west  of  Church  street,  be  confided  to  the  care  of  elder  Win.  J.  Smith; 
all  the  population  located  north  of  the  Musconetcong  river,  be  confided 
to  the  care  of  elder  Henry  R.  Kennedy," 

In  the  early  part  of  1870  another  manifestation  of  the  especial  pres- 
ence of  the  Holy  Spirit  in  the  congregation  was  enjoyed.  Jan.  8.  seven 
were  received  on  profession  of  faith,  and  on  the  23.  of  the  same  month, 
thirty-six  were  admitted  A  special  sacramental  occasion  was  observed 
on  the  30.  of  the  month  for  the  special  benefit  of  those  who  had  been 
admitted  to  the  church.  At  the  close  of  the  pastorate  of  Mr.  VanDyke 
it  seems  the  outpost  preaching  was  discontinued.  The  matter  however 
was  discussed  again  May  7.  1870,  at  which  time  Mr.  Scott  expressed  his 
intention  to  preach  occasionally  during  the  summer,  at  Garrison's  school 
house.  i 

June  11.  1870,  "The  trustees  elected  to  serve  the  church  for  this  year, 
met  this  day  and  were  duly  organized.  The  following  persons  were 
elected  as  the  annual  officers  of  the  board:  Mr.  Daniel  Williamson, 
president;  Mr.  Theodore  Gardner,  secretary;  Mr.  Bobert  I.  Smith, 
treasurer.  Mr.  Abram  Hauce  was  appointed  a  committee  to  keep  the 
church  and  parsonage  in  repair  and  see  that  all  necessary  repairs  are 
promptly  attended  to  &c;  Mr.  B.  I.  Smith,  a  committee  to  rent  pews 
and  see  to  the  collection  of  the  same."  The  following  rules  and  by-laws 
were  unanimously  adopted : 

"The  secretary  shall  keep  a  strict  account  of  all  business;  of  all  mon- 
ey raised  and  the  object  for  which  it  has  been  raised,  and  the  object  for 
which  it  has  been  appropriated,  and  that  a  strict  account  in  writing 
shall  be  annually  submitted  to  the  congregation,   when  a  committee 


•34  First  Pfisbyltrian  Church  of  Bloomsbury. 

shall  be  appointed  to  examine  and  audit  the  accounts  of  secretary  and 
treasurer. 

"The  trustees  shall  appropriate  all  moneys  to  the  special  object  for 
which  said  money  was  raised  or  collected.  No  money  shall  be  other- 
wise appropriated  unless  by  a  two  thirds  vote  of  the  board  at  its  regu- 
lar meeting*. 

"In  order  to  meet  the  wishes  of  all  and  remove  the  objections  of 
some,  the  following  laws  were  unanimously  adopted  by  the  congrega- 
tion on  Feb.  9.  1859,  and  reaffirmed  on  Apr.  1.  1870." 

Rule  I.  No  pew  in  the  middle  aisle  shall  be  rented  by  halves,  or  to 
two  families  or  individuals,  when  one  family  desires  to  rent  and  occupy 
the  same. 

Rule  II.  That  the  practice  of  renting  one  half  pews  to  communi- 
cants of  more  than  three  persons  in  the  family  be  hereafter  discontin- 
ued, as  being  an  infringement  on  the  rights  of  fellow  communicants. 

Rule  III.  All  commuuicants  and  all  heads  of  families  who  are  com- 
municants, shall  be  required  to  furnish  themselves  and  families  with 
sittings  in  the  church,  j 

Rule  IV.  Each  party  renting  a  pew  shall  be  held  responsible  for 
said  rent,  and  no  person  shall  in  any  case  be  permitted  to  sublet  or  rent 
any  part  of  said  pew. 

Rule  V.  All  single  persons  who  are  communicants,  shall  be  requir- 
ed to  pay  for  one  sitting,  unless  such  arc  minors  or  females  who  are 
provided  with  sittings  by  their  parents. 

Rule  VI.  The  church  is  unanimously  resolved  that  the  above  rules 
shall  be  carried  out  in  all  cases,  and  that  no  change  or  addition  shall 
be  made  thereto  unless  due  notice  has  been  given  and  a  regular  meet- 
ing of  the  congregation  called  for  the  purpose. 

In  1870,  at  the  reunion  of  the  two  branches  of  the  Presbyterian 
church  ,  this  congregation  was  again  placed  under  the  care  of  the  Pres- 
bytery of  Newton,  the  name  being  placed  upon  the  roll  June  22.  Dec. 
17.  it  was  determined  by  session  to  raise  $1500  as  this  congregation's 


First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloumsbury.  So 

part  of  the  "Memorial  Fuud"  for  the  consummation  of  the  union  be- 
tween the  two  branches  of  the  church. 

Apr.  8.  1871,  at  a  congregational  meeting,  "It  was  on  motion  decided 
that  the  congregation  now  elect  two  new  trustees  to  fill  the  vacancy 
now  in  the  board,  occasioned  by  the  expiration  of  the  term  of  office  of 
two  of  the  board.  The  following  persons  were  elected  again  for  the 
term  of  six  years:  Abiam  Hance,  Joseph  W.  Willever.  It  was  then 
on  motion  decided  that  we  now  reelect  the  whole  board,  and  it  was  car- 
ried unanimously."  At  a  congregational  meeting  held  Jan.  20.  1872,  it 
was  decided  to  increase  the  pastor's  salary  to  $1200  per  annum.  In  or- 
der to  meet  this"additional  sum,  Henry  R.  Kennedy,  Win.  S.  Hulsizer 
and  Joseph  C.  Smith  were  appointed  a  .committee  to  act  with  the  trus- 
tees in  assessing  an  amount,  uot  exceeding  $200,  pro  rata  upon  the 
pews,  except  the  two,  front  ones  in  the  middle  block.  The  trustees 
were  also  instructed  to  declare  vacant  any  pews  on  which  the  full 
amount  of  rental  was  not  paid.  July  14.  1872,  session  resolved  to  main- 
tain a  sessional  monthly  concert  of  prayer  upon  the  last  Saturday  of 
each  month. 

We  find  at  this  period  of  the  church's  history  that  those  who  were  its 
friends  in  life  did  uot  fail  to  remember  it  in  death.  This  is  shown  by  a 
minute  adopted  iu  congregational  meeting,  Nov.  23.  1872,  which  is  .self 
explanatory  and  which  is  as  lollows: 

"  Whereas  at  a  previous  meeting  of  the  congregation  held  in  the 
church,  the  board  of  trustees  were  appointed  a  committee  to  raise  a 
given  sum  of  $1500  in  order  to  secure  a  legacy  left  this  church  in  the 
will  of  John  P.  Smith,  deceased,  asked  to  be  relieved,  and  move  that 
the  elders  of  the  church  serve  in  their  stead."  This  legacy  was  duly 
secured  by  the  congregation. 

A  congregational  meeting  was  held  July  20.  1872,  for  the  purpose  of 
electing  trustees  and  attending  to  other  matters  of  importance.  Ow- 
ing to  the  fewness  of  the  persons  present,  the  meeting  abjourned  to 
meet  on  the  27.  of  jthe  same  month.  The  congregation  accordingly 
convened  at  that  time  and  elected  Joseph  C.  Smith  and  John  S.  Carter 


3(>  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bluomsbury. 

trustees.  At  this  meeting  the  following  action  wns  taken  with  refer* 
ence  to  the  legacy  bequeathed  to  the  congregation  by  John  P.  Smith, 
deceased,  viz : 

"  Whereas  the  late  John  P.  Smith,  of  the  township  of  Greenwich, 
county  of  Warren,  aiid  state  of  New  Jersey,  in  his  last  will  and  testa- 
ment did  bequeath  to  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloomsburv,  in 
the  county  of  Hunterdon,  state  aforesaid,  the  sum  of  one  thousand  dol- 
lars upon  the  condition  that  the  said  church  raise  in  actual  cash  the 
sum  of 'fifteen  hundred  dollars  within  one  year  after  the  decease  of  said 
donor,  John  P.  Smith,  aforesaid,  therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  that  the  congregation  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of 
Bloomsbury  having  been  duly  called  to  meet  on  this  27.  day  of  July? 
1872,  for  the  transaction  of  con ffregational  business,  do  instruct  and  au- 
thorize the  trustees  of  said  church  to  raise  the  sum  of  fifteen  hundred 
dollars,  and  so  comply  with  the  conditions  in  said  bequest." 

On  Apr.  14.  187»i,  the  trustees  took  decisive  action  with  reference  to 
delinquents  in  pew  rent;  they  resolved  that  the  named  of  all  delin- 
quents in  payment  of  their  pew  rent,  with  the  several  amounts,  should 
be  conspicuously  posted  in  the  vestibule  of  the  church  for  the  space  of 
twenty  days,  and  if  said  pew  rent  remained  unpaid  at  the  expiration  of 
the  above  time,  the  accounts  should  be  placed  in  legal  hands  for  collec- 
tion. At  the  same  time  the  following  rules  were  adopted  for  the  gov- 
ernment of  the  sexton : 

First.  King  the  bell  at  the  stated  hours  as  given  by  the  proper  au- 
thority of  the  church. 

Second.  Sweep  the  body  of  the  church,  gallery  &c,  once  each 
month;  dust  the  seats  every  two  weeks ;  basement  to  be  kept  clean, 
and  all  ashes,  coal,  cinders  &c,  to  be  kept  from  around  the  furnaces, 
and  all  unburnt  coal'to  be  screened — the  church  to  furnish  the  screen. 

Third.  Lamps  to  be  properly  tilled,  trimmed  and  cleansed  not  less 
frequently  than  once  in  two  weeks,  or  oftener  if  circumstances  require  it. 

Fourth.  Fires  to  be  built  at  the  direction  of  the  proper  authorities 
as  they  at    heir  discretion  may  deem  necessary. 


First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloomstiiry.  87 

Fifth.  Gates  to  be  properly  opened  and  closed,  and  church  grounds 
to  be  kept  clear  of  all  loose  rubbish ;  the  walks  &c.  to  be  kept  clear  of 
snow  and  other  obstructions. 

Sixth.  The  grave-yard  to  be  mowed  twice  each  year,  once  in  June 
and  once  in  September,  and  not  later  in  each  month  than  the  15.,  the 
grass  to  be  removed  from  the  yard.  The  earth  from  the  graves  to  be 
removed  from  each  plot  within  one  month  from  the  time  of  digging  of 
the  grave,  the  dirt  to  be  removed  to  any  part  of  the  yard  designated 
by  the  trustees,  the  dirt  removed  to  be  properly  leveled. 

Seventh.  The  prices  for  digging  graves  shall  not  be  less  than  three 
dollars  nor  exceed  five  dollars,  the  distinction  to  be  made  by  the  size  of 
the  grave.  He  shall  open  and  prepare  the  church  for  all  services  held 
therein  whether  for  funerals  or  other  meetings. 

The  committee  appointed  to  raise  the  $1500  reported  Apr.  18.  1873, 
that  they  had  "Eighteen  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  on  subscription,  a 
portion  ot  which  remained  uncollected."  At  this  meeting  the  old  board 
of  trustees  was  reelected  ,•  Moses  Robins  and  Wm.  S.  Gardner  were 
elected  to  fill  vacancies  occasioned  by  the  resignation  of  Joseph  0- 
Smith  and  removal  of  Wm.  S.  Smith.  At  this  meeting  action  was  ta- 
ken with  reference  to  taking  down  the  spire  of  the  church  and  rebuild- 
ing the  same,  it  having  been  struck  by  lightning.  Wm.  S.  Gardner 
was  appointed  to  have  charge  of  these  repairs.  The  trustees  were  duly 
authorized  to  employ  a  sexton  at  a  salary  not  to  exceed  $100.  At  a 
meeting  of  the  congregation  held  May  3.  1873,  pursuant  to  adjournment 
on  Apr.  18.,  the  following  action  was  taken  relative  to  the  spire  of  the 
church :  "Resolved,  that  in  view  of  the  state  of  the  steeple  &c,  that  the 
trustees  be  authorized  to  proceed  at  once  to  repair  it." 
.  This  year  again  we  find  evidence  of  disaffection  in  the  congregation. 
On  June  10.  the  session  made  the  following  minute :  "The  subject  of 
the  absence  of  many  members  of  the  church  from  the  sacrament  of  the 
Lord's  supper  elicited  careful  consideration  and  a  determination  to  ex- 
amine into  the  causes  and  endeavor  by  God's  guidance  to  overcome 
the  evil."    June  28.  1873,  the  trustees  held  a  meeting,  at  which   it  was 


38  lursf  Pnsbykrian  Church  of  BLoomsbary. 

"Resolved  that  the  resolution  in  regard  to  posting-  delinquents,  be  car- 
ried out,  and  that  the  secretary  be  authorized  to  carry  it  into  effect." 
At  the  same  meeting  it  was  "Resolved  that  the  services  of  Hon.  John 
T.  Bird  be  secured  to  assist  the  church  in  securing  the  legacy  of  the 
late  John  P.  Smith."  "A  notice  from  the  solicitor  of  the  estate  of  the 
late  John  P.  Smith,  notifying  the  board  to  appear  in  chancery  at  Tren- 
ton, ~K.  J.,  on  July  10.  1873,  was  then  read,  and  on  motion  Daniel  Will- 
iamson was  authorized  to  borrow  the  will  of  the  late  John  P.  Smith 
from  his  widow  for  a  short  time  for  the  use  of  the  church  in  the  matter 
of  the  legacy." 

July  28.  1873,  the  trustees  met.  "On  motion  it  was  resolved  to  post- 
pone notices  of  delinquents  until  the  church  should  be  ready  for  servi- 
ces." From  this  it  would  appear  that  the  repairs  consequent  upon  the 
church's  being  struck  by  lightning  were  now  in  progress.  It  was  deci- 
ded at  this  time  to  have  the  vestibule  frescoed  in  oil  instead  of  water 
colors  as  originally  agreed  upon.  In  connection  with  repairs  upon  the 
church  there  were  some  repairs  made  at  the  parsonage  at  this  time. 
The  ladies  now  raised  money  and  refurnished  the  church  and  had  the 
same  neatly  frescoed.  At  a  meeting  of  the  congregation  held  Aug.  11. 
1873,  the  following  action  was  taken  with  reference  to  repairs  upon  the 
church : 

"Resolved,  that  the  trustees  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of 
Bloomsbury  be  instructed  by  said  congregation  to  expend  the  balance 
of  money  on  hand  to  finish  painting  said  church  in  the  inside,  and  on 
the  outside  if  deemed  necessary,  and  to  carpet  said  church,  together 
with  any  other  repairs,  if  needed;  and  that  the  trustees  shall  give  an 
order  on  the  treasurer  for  the  amount,  who  is  authorized  to  pay  the 
same  out  of  the  funds  in  his  hands,  that  are  not  otherwise  appropria- 
ted." 

The  damage  to  the  church  by  lightning  was  assessed  and  paid  by 
the  insurance  companies  issuing  the  policies  upon  the  building.  It  was 
out  of  these  funds  the  above  referred  to  expenses  were  to  be  paid.  The 
trustees  of  the  church  felt  that  this  was  not  a  proper  application  of  the 
funds  in  question  and  accordingly,  in  a.  meeting  held  Aug.  23.  they 


First  Presbyterian  Church  of  liloomsbiiry.  '■>[) 

^Resolved  that  the  board  of  trustees  do  hereby  express  their  dissatis- 
faction with  the  action  of  the  congregational  meeting  held  on  Aug.  i\.^ 
in  regard  to  the  disposition  of  the  moneys  received  from  the  insurance 
companies,  said  action  being  in  opposition  to  the  expressed  wish  of  the 
whole  board  at  a  previous  meeting,  and  it  was  further 

Resolved,  that  a  copy  of  this  resolution  be  forwarded  to  the  secretary 
of  each  insurance  company."  The  contract  for  painting  the  church 
was  then  awarded,  and  Win.  S.  Gardner,  Theodore  Tinsman  and  John 
S.  Carter  were  appointed  a  committee  on  specifications,  and  to  oversee 
the  work. 


•    CHAPTER  V. 

PASTORATE  OF  REV.  MR.  SCOTT  CONTINUED- 
DIFFICULTIES. 

Church  to  be  used  only  for  worship.  Envelope  system.  Additional  elder  elect- 
ed. Burial  ground  enlarged.  Louise  F.  Kennedy  Fund.  Dissensions  before 
Presbyter  >/.     Resignation  of  third  pastor. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  session  held  Jan  31.  1874,  there  was  an  inter- 
change of  opinion  on  the  subject  of  church  finances  and  a  determina- 
tion manifested  to  "correct  seeming  irregularities  of  system."  Also  the 
repeatedly  recurring  "subject  of  absenteeism  occupied  the  attention  of 
session."  The  latter  subject  came  up  again  in  session  Feb.  5.,  at  which 
time  three  elders  were  appointed  a  committee  to  interview  the  church 
members  who  are  habitually  absent  from  church  ordinances.  At  this 
same  meeting  the  following  action  was  taken,  viz: 


40  J<ir$(  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloomsbury. 

"  Wherem  this  church  edifice  was  dedicated  unto  the  Great  Head  of 
the  church,  for  the  use  of  Ids  worship,  and 

Whereas  exhibitions  and  shows  of  a  church  desecrating  character, 
injuriously  affect  the  cause  of  religion  and  hinder  spiritual  growth, 
tli  ere  fore 

Resolved  that  this  church  shall  he  used  for  the  Lord's  worship  and  the 
maintenance  of  his  ordinances,  and  any  uses  derogatory  thereto  will 
not  be  permitted." 

The  financial  condition  of  the  church  at  this  time  seems  to  have  been 
satisfactory,  as  shown  by  the  following  action  taken  in  congregational 
meeting,  Apr.  11.  1874,  viz: 

"Revived  that  a  vote  of  thanks  be  tendered  to  Win.  J.  Smith  and 
Robert  1.  Smith  for  their  efficient  services  in  raising  money,  and  their 
great  financial  ability  in  thus  having  raised  sufficient  funds  to  liquidate 
the  indebtedness  of  the  church." 

At  tins  meeting  it  was  decided  that  the  number  of  trustees  should  be 
three,  and  Moses  Robins,  Win.  Dairy mple  and  John  Stute  were  elected 
to  that  office,  It  was  also  directed  that  the  pew  rents  should  be  col- 
lected quarterly.  Duplicates  were  to  be  made  out  one  month  previous 
to  the  time  when  the  rents  were  due  and  two  collectors  were  to  receive 
the  money,  one  for  Warren  and  one  for  Hunterdon  county.  There  be- 
ing now  only  three  trustees,  they  met  Apr.  28.  1874,  and  assigned  to 
each  one  his  special  duties.  Moses  Robins  was  to  act  as  secretary  and 
treasurer  of  the  board ;  Win  Dalrymple  was  to  attend  to  the  furnishing 
of  the  church  with  coal,  oil,  lamps  &c.  John  Stute  was  to  see  to  need- 
ful repairs  about  the  parsonage,  employ  sexton  «&e.  Mr.  Stute  was 
elected  president  of  the  board,  Nov.  28.  of  this  year. 

The  question  of  collections  for  the  boards  of  the  church  came  up  in 
session  May  8.  1874,  and  the  card  and  envelope  system  was  adopted. 

The  question  of  absenteeism  came  up  again  in  session  May  20.  1874, 
at  which  time  three  members  of  session  were  appointed  committees  to 
visit  certain  delinquents  with  regard  to  their  duties.  These  committees 
reported  June  0.  that  the  parties   interviewed,   except   one,   expressed 


First  Presbyterian  Church  of  BObomsbury.  41 

willingness  to  return  to  duty.  At  this  meeting  however  an  elder  was 
appointed  to  interview  another  delinquent.  Report  was  made  on  de- 
linquencies June  20.,  but  with  no  definite  result.  June  27.  session  ap- 
pointed another  committee  to  visit  certain  other  delinquents  .  The 
committee  reported  July  18.,  but  no  definite  action  was  taken  upon  the 
report.  The  question  of  family  visitation  was  considered  by  session  on 
Sep.  20,  but  no  definite  action  taken  thereon.  The  same  subject  was 
up  Sep.  24.  and  two  elders  were  appointed  to  commence  a  family  visita- 
tion the  next  week.  All  these  things  go  to  show  that  there  was  an  un- 
settled state  of  affairs  among  the  people  which  was  causing  anxiety 
among  the  members  of  session.  Apr.  G.  1875,  whilst  certain  cases  of 
scandal  had  claimed  the  attention  of  session,  citations  were  issued  for 
the  appearance  of  some  of  those  who  had  been  visited  by  committees, 
to  answer  for  their  absence  from  the  ordinances. 

Whilst  the  overseers  of  the  spiritual  affairs  of  the  church  are  thus 
seen  to  be  actively  eugaged  in  the  duties  devolving  upon  them,  we  find 
the  secular  officers  were  not  idle.  At  a  meeting  of  the  trustees,  Oct.  9. 
1875,  the  following  action  was  taken :  "Resolved  that  we,  as  trustees, 
in  the  transaction  of  official  business,  adopt  as  the  seal  of  the  First 
Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloomsbury,  a  red  seal,  commonly  called  a  wa- 
fer, such  as  was  used  at  the  incorporation  of  said  church."  "It  was  fur- 
ther resolved  that  the  president  of  the  board  of  trustees  (Mr.  John 
Stute)  be  and  hereby  is  authorized  to  execute  a  release  and  quit  claim 
to  Mrs.  Sarah  E.  G.  Smith,  executrix  of  John  P.  Smith  deceased,  in  the 
name  and  in  the  behalf  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloomsbu- 
ry, New  Jersey."  The  matter  was  duly  attended  to  and  the  proper  rec- 
ords made  relative  thereto,  thus  securing  to  the  congregation  Mr. 
Smith's  legacy.  At  the  same  meeting  of  the  trustees  (Oct.  9.  1875), 
"It  was  further  resolved  that  no  one  of  the  said  board  of  trustees  of  the 
First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloomsbury  contract  any  debts  to  the 
amount  of  five  dollars  and  upward  in  behalf  of  said  church  without  the 
consent  of  the  whole  board  of  trustees  of  said  church."  Feb.  14.  187G, 
"at  a  meeting  of  the  trustees  and  elders  of  the  First  Presbyterian 
Church,  held  this  day,  it  was  resolved  that  the  congregation  adopt  the 


42  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloomsbury. 

card  and  envelope  system  lor  the  coining  year  for  the  purpose  ol*  rais- 
ing money  to  defray  the  incidental  expenses  of  the  church,  and  for 
missionary  and  sabbath-school  purposes  of  said  ehnreh."  March  27,.  of 
this  year  (1870),  the  congregation  held  a  meeting  at  which  time  the 
subject  of  electing  additional  elders  was  considered.  It  was  decided  to 
elect  but  one  at  this  time.  Accordingly  the  following  persons  were 
nominated,  viz:  Moses  Robins,  John  S.  Carter,  John  Hance,  Win.  S3. 
llnlsizer,  Robert  I.  Smith,  Theodore  Tinsman  and  Joseph  Willever. 
The  vote  being  taken  it  was  found  Moses  Robins  was  duly  elected. 
The  session  met  on  Apr.  8.  and  arranged  that  the  ordination  of  Mr. 
Robins  as  elder  should  take  place  on  Sabbath  10.  inst.  following.  The 
same  day  (Apr.  8.  1870.)  there  was  a  congregational  meeting  held,  at 
which  time  Moses  Robins,  Valentine  Young  and  John  State  were  elect- 
ed trustees.  At  this  time  also  the  -$1000  legacy  of  John  P.  Smith  was 
put  at  interest,  and  it  was  decided  that  "The  interest  only  of  said  leg- 
acy of  one  thousand  dollars  be  used  by  said  church  without  the  consent 
of  two  thirds  of  said  congregation  at  a  regularly  called  meeting  of  said 
congregation."  The  same  day  in  congregational  meeting  assembled,  it 
was  "Resolved  that  the  pews  of  those  who  shall  neglect  to  pay  the  as- 
sessment on  the  same  within  ten  davs  after  it  shall  become  due,  shall 
be  declared  vacant."  As  was  customary,  the  trustees  elected  at  this 
meeting,  organized  by  electing  John  State  president ;  and  Moses  Rob- 
ins secretary  and  treasurer.  Mr.  Stute  was  appointed  to  look  after  re- 
pairs about  the  parsonage,  employ  sexton  &c;  and  Mr.  Young  was  to 
attend  to  the  procuring  of  coal,  oil,  lamps  &c.  In  minutes  of  sessioir 
Apr.  17.  1870,  we  iind  further  evidence  of  the  disturbed  internal  condi- 
tion of  the  church.  Complaint  had  been  made  to  session  with  refer- 
ence to  alleged  "unchristian  action  of  two  members  of  this  church." 
an  elder  was  appointed  to  notify  the  complainant  that  the  session  was 
ready  to  take  up  the  case.  Thereupon  "the  clerk  was  ordered  to  trans- 
mit a  letter  of  citation  to  said  [complainant]  requiring  him  to  appear 
before  session  on  the  27.  of  April,  at  2  o'clock,  P.  M.,  to  connirm  the 
charges  or  give  reasons  why  they  should  be  withdrawn."  In  connec- 
tion with  the  same  matter  the  session  received,  on   Apr.   27..    "a    letter 


First  rnnhijk roi it  Church  of  Mluuhisbtiry.  A-j 

from  [complainant]  which  was  deemed  inadmissible  because  of  its  being' 
iti formal,  and  the  subject  matter  was  continued  and  the  clerk  was  or- 
dered to  transmit  a  letter  of  citation  to  [complainant]  requiring  him  to 
appear  before  session  regarding  certain  charges  by  him  made  against 
certain  two  members  of  this  church,  at  a  meeting  to  be  held  on  Satur- 
day, the  sixteenth  of  May  ensuing,  in  the  church,  at  2  o'clock   1\   M." 

At  this  same  meeting  (Apr.  27.  187(5)  a  member  of  the  church  asked 
for  a  letter  of  dismission  to  unite  with  the  Greenwich  Presbyterian 
church.  The  cause  of  this  was  recognized  to  be  the  disturbed  state  of 
affairs  in  the  church.  Accordingly  an  elder  was  appointed  a  committee 
to  advise  with  the  applicant  with  reference  to  the  matter.  This  how- 
ever was  of  no  avail  and  the  member  took  his  certificate,  Mar.  0.,  and 
joined  the  neighboring  church,  together  with, three  others  who  left  for 
the  same  reasons  that  actuated  him. 

At  the  meeting  of  May  G.,  the  complainant  above  referred  to  "appear- 
ed before  session  and  asked  leave  to  withdraw  certain  avowed  intention 
of  making  charges  against  certain  two  members  of  this  church."  The 
request  was  granted  and  so  the  matter  ended.  The  elders  who  had 
been  appointed  to  make  family  visitations,  reported  May  13. 1876,  "that 
they  received  much  cordiality  from  the  people  and  invitations  to  renew 
their  visits."  At  this  time  (May  13.  1876)  two  more  members  were  dis- 
missed to  join  the  neighboring  church  of  Greenwich,  the  cause  being 
the  unsettled  condition  of  the  church. 

Apr.  7.  1877,  the  people  assembled  in  congregational  meeting  and 
elected  Win.  Tinsman,  Valentine  Young  and  Moses  Robins  trustees. 
Mr.  Young  declined  to  serve  and  John  Hance  was  elected  in  his  place. 
The'  same  day  the  trustees  held  a  meetiug,  at  which  Win.  Tinsman  was 
elected  president;  John  Hance  secretary;  and  Moses  Robins  treasurer. 

Aug.  30.  the  internal  commotions  of  the  church  again  come  to  the 
surface  in  sessional  meeting.  The  committee  appointed  to  wait  upon 
certain  absentees  was  continued  with  instructions  to  report  at  the 
meeting  to  be  held  on  Saturday,  the  8.  of  September  ensuing." 

The  congregation  held  a  meeting  Dec.  8.  1877,  for  the  purpose  of  en- 


44  ivrM  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloomsburg. 

largiiig  the  burial  ground.    At  this  time  the  following  action   was  ta- 
ken, viz : 

Resolved  1.  That  the  two  lots,  fifty  feet  each,  making  one  hundred 
feet  by  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet,  and  lying  contiguous  to  the  grave- 
yard, and  purchased  for  burial  purposes,  be  enclosed  on  three  sides 
with  a  good  substantial  fence,  and  the  said  grounds  put  in  proper  con- 
dition for  burial  purposes. 

Resolved  2.  That  the  money  received  from  said  lands  or  plots  be  set 
apart  and  not  used  for  other  purposes. 

Resolved  3.  That  the  price  for  lots  sold  be  the  same  as  the  old  plots, 
and  sold  only  for  cash  or  on  good  and  approved  security. 

Dec.  31.  1877,  the  dissensions  in  the  congregation  are  again  noticed 
by  session.  The  committee  in  one  case  of  absenteeism  "reported  favor- 
ably." At  the  same  time  two  elders  were  appointed  a  committee  to 
wait  upon  certain  other  parties  relative  to  their  delinquencies.  A 
committee  was  also  appointed  to  wait  upon  a  member  of  session  "in  re- 
lation to  his  absence  from  the  stated  means  of  grace."  The  member  of 
session  being  present,  explained, that  "physical  disability  in  his  family 
and  in  his  own  case  caused  his  absence  from  church  during  the  past 
four,  Sabbaths."  A  second  committee  was  appointed  at  this  time  to 
wait  upon  another  derelict  church  member.  Jan.  19.  1878,  "The  com- 
mittee to  visit  certain  parties  reported  in  part,  and  the  same  was  accep- 
ted and  the  committee  continued  in  one  of  the  cases  under  considera- 
tion. At  this  meeting  of  Jau.  19.  1878,  a  communication  relative  to  the 
sabbath-school  was  considered  but  action  thereon  deferred.  The  matter 
however  came  up  again  Feb.  4.,  at  which  time  it  was  decided  to  appoint 
officers  in  the  school  for  one  year.  Elder  Wm.  J.  Smith  was  appoint- 
ed superintendent,  Robert  I.  Smith  treasurer,  Peter  Hulsizer  librarian, 
and  elder  Robins  secretary.  The  session,  as  a  committee,  undertook 
the  procuring  of  a  library.  The  envelope  system  of  collections  for  be- 
nevolent objects  and  incidental  expenses,  which  had  been  in  use  for 
some  time,  was  at  this  meeting  (Feb.  4.  1878)  ordered    discontinued 


2?fcsl  'Prezibtftcriiiii  'Cluirvh  <{(  Blvomdbttry.  {', 

until  the  end  of  May  ensuing,  and  a  semi-monthly  «dUeotion  was  taken 
in  its  place.  At  this  time  the  (Louise  F.  Kennedy  Fund,  for  the  benefit 
of  the  poor  of  the  'congregation  was  established.  The  young  Ia<lv 
whose  name  tie  fund  bears  was  a  daughter  of  elder  Henry  11.  Kennedy. 
Dying  in  the  bioom^f  womanhood  she did  «ot  fail  to  remember  the 
church  of  which  she  was  a  member  aiffd  that  in  behalf  of  the  Lord's  un- 
fortunate ones,  in  accordance  with  her  wishes  her  father,  after  her 
death,  carried  out  her  scheme  by  making  over  to  the  congregation  three 
shares '"of  the  «api?taiL  stock  of  the  Bloomsbury  National  Bank  tor  this 
purpose. 

Apr.  21.  1878,  at  a  'congregational  meeting,  Win;  S.  Hulsizer  was 
elected  tmstee  to  till  the  placetefDK,  Creveflmg  who  declined  to  sei've. 
On  the  27,  the  trustees  organized  by  electiaig  Wm.  S.  Hulsizer,  presi- 
dent; John  ITance,  secretary;  and  Moses  Robins,  treasurer. 

The  dissensions  which,  as  we  hare  seen,  existed  in  the  congregation, 
ciiiiie  before  Prewbyteiy  in  the  spring  of  1878.  We  find  the  following 
in  the  naifflutes  of  Presbytery,  A pr.  10„  1878,  relative  to  the  matter,  viz: 

"Papers  niiqtorting  to  eotne  from  the  congregation  of  Bloomsbury 
having  been  planted  in  the  hands  of  the  Moderator,  they  are  ordered  to 
be  referred  to  a  special  committee."  "The  Moderator  announced  as 
this  committee,  Rev.  A.  A.  tlaines,  Rev.  J.  M.  Maxwell  and  riding  elder 
J.  G.  Shipman."  This  committee  reported  as  follows,  viz:  "The  com- 
mittee report  that  m  the  minutes  of  the  congregational  meeting  fur- 
nished them,  no  Commissioner  was  appointed  to  this  Presbytery,  and 
the  whole  difficulty  seems  to  arise  from  the  disaffection  of  a  very  few 
persons  with  Hie  pastor",  and  that  the  committee  cannot  find  that  there 
is  any  difficulty  existing  is  the  church  to  render  it  necessary  for  Pres- 
bytery to  send  a  committee  to  them.  They  therefore  recommend  that 
the  request  to  send  a  committee  to  the  church  of  Bloomsbury,  and  the 
papers  be  returned  to  the  person  handing  them  in."  This  action  on 
the  part  ot  Presbytery  did  not  have  the  effect  of  healing  matters  con- 
trariwise seemed  to  put  fuel  noon  the  fire.  One  evidence  of  this  was 
manifested  in  the  immediate  expression  of  a  desire  on  the  part  of  mem- 
bers of  the  church  bo  fee  "dismissed  to  other  churches.      May   IX   1878. 


4'J  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Hloomsbtiry. 

seven  persons  asked  for  letters  of  dismission,  two  of  whom,  it  was  alleg- 
ed desired  to  join  the  neighboring  church  of  Greenwich.  In  the  case 
of  these  two  objection  was  made  to  granting  the  request  on  the  ground 
that  it  was  believed  by  members  of  session  that  the  parties  had  chang- 
ed their  minds,  and  had  made  no  written  application  for  dismission. 
As  the  time  for  the  fall  meeting  of  Presbytery  drew  near  the  different 
factions  manifested  renewed  activity.  In  the  minutes  of  session,  Sep. 
7.  1878,  it  was  recorded  that  an  elder  started  the  subject  of  electing  a 
delegate  to  the  next  meeting  of  Presbytery,  whereupon  the  moderator 
spoke  adversely  thereto  and  left  the  room.  In  the  minutes  of  Presby- 
tery, Oct.  1.  1878,  we  read:  "Certain  papers  having  been  placed  in  the 
hands  of  the  Moderator  for  the  consideration  of  the  Presbytery 
they  were  ordered  to  b3  referred  to  a  committee.''  This  committee 
consisted  of  Revs.  J.  J.  Crane,  J.  P.  Clarke  and  ruling  elder  Mr.  John 
White.  This  committee  reported  recommending  that  the  papers  in 
question  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Judicial  Committee.  The  Judi- 
cial Committee's  report  in  the  matter  is  as  follows:  "The second  paper 
placed  in  the  hands  of  the  committee,  referring  to  matters  connected 
with  the  congregation  at  Bloomsbury,  is  one  of  which  the  committee  is 
divided  in  judgment.  But  it  being  reported  that  serious  difficulties  ex- 
ist ill  that  congregation  the  committee  recommend  that  a  committee  of 
three  ministers  and  two  elders  be  appointed  to  visit  it  during  the 
month  of  December  next,  to  inquire  into  its  state,  and  to  report  at  such 
meeting  of  the  Presbytery  as  the  Moderator  shall  call  in  pursuance  of 
its  request."  "The  following  were  appointed  the  committee  called  for 
in  the  above  report:  Rev.  A.  A.  Haines,  Rev.  Alexander  Proudfit,  Rev. 
J.  F.  Shaw,  and  ruling  elders  Thomas  Ryerson,  M.  I),  and  Mr.  Charles 
E.  Vail."  "The  committe,  to  which  was  referred  a  paper  which  had 
been  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Moderator  for  the  cosideration  of  the 
Presbytery,  made  a  report,  that  it  found  said  paper  purporting  to  be  a 
petition  from  certain  members  of  the  church  of  Bloomsbury,  with  refer- 
ence to  three  ruling  elders  of  that  church:  that  it  found  the  paper  to 
be  in  order  and  laid  it  before  Presbytery  for  such  action  as  it  deemed 
proper.     The  report  was  accepted  and  the  paper  was  ordered  to  be  re- 


First  Prcsbytcrhi n  Church  of  Bloomsbury.  17 

ferred  to  the  committee  aj>pointed  to  visit  the  congregation  at  Blooms- 
bury."  In  the  minutes  of  the  Presbytery,  Dee.  17.,  at  Oxford  First 
Church,  the  following  records  were  made  relative  to  or  bearing  upon 
these  difficulties: 

"Two  ruling  elders  of  the  church  of  Blooms-bury,  *         *   ap- 

pearing in  the  Presbytery  as  the  representatives  of  the  session  of  said 
church,  the  question  as  to  the  representative  claims  of  these  elders  was 
referred  to  a  committee,  consisting  of  Rev.  H.  E.  Spayd,  Rev.  J.  B. 
Kugler,  and  ruling  elder  J.  G.  Shipmau."  This  committee  reported  as 
follows:  "The  Committee  appointed  to  decide  who  is  the  legally  ap- 
pointed delegate  from  the  church  of  Bloomsbury  to  this  Presbytery,  re- 
port that  they  have  examined  the  minutes  of  the  session  and  they  find 
that  on  Sep.  30.  1878,  at  a  meeting  of  the  session  of  the  church,  elder  * 
*  *  was  appointed  a  delegate  to  the  meeting  of  Presbytery,  which 
was  to  meet  at  Greenwich,  on  the  first  of  October,  then  next  ensuing 
and  for  no  other  meeting  of  Presbytery.  There  is  no  authentic  minute 
of  any  delegate  having  been  appointed  to  this  meeting  of  the  Presby- 
tery, and  the  committee  therefore  report  that  in  their  judgment,  accor- 
ding to  the  second  decision  of  the  Assembly,  the  session  of  the  Blooms- 
bury  church  has  no  elder  legally  appointed  to  this  Presbytery." 

The  report  of  the  committee  to  visit  the  church  is  as  follows:  "The 
committee  appointed  by  Presbytery  to  visit' the  church  of  Bloomsbury 
during  the  month  of  December,  to  inquire  into  its  state,  would  report 
that  they  visited  the  church  on  the  3.  inst.  A  full  hearing  was  afford- 
ed to  all  who  presented  themselves  on  that  and  the  following  day. 
The  following  paper  was  subsequently  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  com- 
mittee. Rev.  H.  B.  Scott  offers  his  resignation  of  the  pastorate  of  the 
First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloomsbury,  said  resignation  to  take 
effect  on  the  first  day  of  January,  1879,  and  he  promises  to  remove 
from  the  town  of  Bloomsbury  by  the  first  day  of  March,  1871),  and  the 
representatives  of  the  church  promising  that  they  will  pay  Mr.  Scott 
all  arrears  of  salary  by  January  1.  1879,  and  six  months  salary  in  addi- 
tion, three  hundred  dollars  on  April  1.  1879,  and  three  hundred  dollars 
on  July  1.  1879.     [Signed.]     H.  B.  Scott,  Moses  Robins,  Jos.  0.  Smith, 


-18  Ifinst  Presbyter tun  (Jfturvh  of  JB&oofth&buTtf. 

(trustee),  Win.  Tinsman,  H.  R.  Kennedy,  Win.  J.  Smith,  Win.  Dalryia- 
ple,  Robert  I.  Smith,  John  Gardner.  Tlieo.  Tin  man.  The  qommittec 
would  recommend  that  the  resignation  of  Rev  H.  \\.  Scott  be  accepted,, 
to  take  effect  Jan.  1.  lS7i>,  and  that  the  church  be  required  to  pay  the 
money  promised  in  the  above  agreement.  Rev.  Mr.  Scott  then  pre- 
sented his  resignation  as  pastor  of  the  congregation  at  lUoouisbury. 
The  representatives  from  said  congregation,  and  who  having  signed 
the  above  paper,  appeared  in  the  Presbytery  and  signified  their  acqui- 
escence to  the  resignation  of  their  pastor,  when  it  was 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  II.  B.  Scott  having  presented  his  resignation 
;ts  pastor  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Blooinsbury,  to  take 
effect  on  the  first  day  of  Jauuary,  1870,  it  be  accepted,  and  that  the 
pastoral  relation  be  dissolved,  the  dissolution  to  take  effect  at  the  time 
mentioned."  "Rev.  Wm.  Thomson  was  appointed  to  preach  in  the 
church  at  Bloomsbury  on  Jan.  o.  1879,  and  declare  the  pulpit  vacant. 
Mr.  Thomson  was  likewise  appointed  moderator  of  the  session  of  the 
church  of  Bloom sbury  dining  and  for  the  time  the  said  church  is  with- 
out a  pastor." 

In  accordance  with  this  appointment  Mr.  Thomson  preached  in  the 
church  on  Jan.  5, 1879,  and  declared  the  pulpit  vacant.  Thus  ended 
the  pastorate  of  Rev.  II.  B.  Scott.  During  the  nine  years  and  a  half  of 
his  ministrations  there  were  received  into  church  by  profession  of  their 
faith  in  Christ  one  hundred  and  six  persons,  and  forty-one  by  certificate. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

PASTORATE  OF  REV.  MR.  CLYDE- 

Unsettled  diffkuMe-s.     Taw  spiritual  state.     Benevolent  work  suffering.    Diffi- 


Fust  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloomsbury.  49 

cutties  curried  before  Synod.  Election  of  fourth  pastor.  Presbyterian  Hymnal 
adopted.  Attempt  to  organize  a  new  church.  Audience  room  relighted.  Disci- 
pline. Debt  of  church  paid.  Lecture- room  refitted  End  of  difficulties  in  the 
church.  Death  of  elder  William  Tinsman.  Improved  mud/! inn  of  congrega- 
tion.   New  side-icalks. 

It  would  seem  that  the  Presbytery,  at  its  meeting  in  December,  1878, 
congratulated. itself  that  fII  the  difficulties  in  the  Bloomsbury  church 
had  been  settled.  In  this  however,  they  were  sadly  deceived.  Jan.  5. 
187U,  the  very  day  the  pulpit  was  declared  vacant,  there  was  a  meeting 
of  .session  held,  moderated  by  Rev.  Win.  Thomson,  at  which  the  libra- 
rian of  the  sabbath-school  Kent  in  his  resignation,  said  resignation 
growing  out  of  the  troubles  in  the  church,  as  it  was  understood.  It 
was  proposed  at  this  meeting  also  to  appoint  a  committee  to  wait  on 
ten  members  ol  the  church  with  reference  to  their  derelictions  in  duty. 
The  design  however,  we  believe  was  not  carried  into  effect. 

Mar.  23.  (or  Apr.  5.)  1879,  the  congregation  elected  Robert  I.  Smith, 
Jesse  J.  Like  and  John  Hauoe,  trustees. 

The  difficulties  in  the  church,  which  we  have  seen  were  not  settled, 
it  would  seem  assumed  two  leading  characteristics,  viz:  some  in  the 
congregation  desired  the  removal  of  the  pastor,  others  the  removal  of  a 
part  of  the  session.  To  meet  the  exigencies  of  the  case  with  reference 
to  both  parties,  Presbytery  had  secured  the  resignation  of  the  pastor, 
and  directly  or  indirectly  advised  the  congregation  to  elect  additional 
elders  if  they  were  not  satisfied  with  those  in  office.  Accordingly 
Mar.  31.  1879,  the  following  action  was  taken,  viz: 

Resolved,  The  session  have  long  been  impressed  that  the  spiritual 
wauts  of  the  people  living  in  the  upper  or  eastern  section  of  the  church 
territory,  demand  that  a  ruling  elder  be  located  in  their  midst,  so  as  to 
enable  more  efficient  and  prompt  spiritual  care,  therefore 

Resolved,  That  the  session  of  this  church  accord  opportunity  for  the 
election  of  one  or  more  ruling  elders  whenever  the  members  of  the 
church  or  a  majority  thereof  express  such  desire  or  the  Presbytery 
shall  take  order  thereto. 

In  the  report  to  Presbytery  adopted  at  this  meeting  (Mar.   31.   1879) 


50  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Hloomsbury. 

the  following'  appears,  viz:  "The  attendance  of  communicants  on  sacra- 
mental occasions  luis  not  been  so  large  as  in  former  years,  and  the  con- 
gregation of  worshipers  has  diminished.'"  "By  order  of  Presbytery  the 
Pew  Wm.  Thomson  preached  on  the  fifth  of  January  and  declared  the 
pulpit  vacant.  Ministerial  supplies  (appointed  by  the  committee)  have 
preached  regularly  since  that  period,  and  there  is  a  marked  increase  in 
the  number  and  better  attention  on  the  part  of  the  worshipers.  Quiet 
prevails,  and  t'.ie  word  i ;  received  with  manifest  edification."' 
"Contributions  for  the  boards  of  the  church  have  been  almost  entirely 
neglected."  "In  order  to  obtain  a  better  knowledge  of  the  spiritual 
wants  of  the  people  they  propose  to  make  a  series  of  family  visitations 
as  soon  as  practicable." 

The  administration  of  affairs  by  the  session  however,  was  not  accept- 
able to  that  portion  of  the  congregation  which  desired  the  removal  of 
certain  elders.  The  Presbytery  therefore,  at  its  stated  meeting,  Apr. 
1).  187!>,  found  itself  confronted  with  the  old  difficulties,  as  will  be  seen 
from  the  following  record: 

"The  committee  to  which  was  referred  a  certain  paper  placed  in  the 
hands  of  the  moderator  for  the  consideration  of  Presbytery,  presented 
the  following  report:  The  committee  appointed  to  examine  and  report 
upon  a  paper  put  into  the  hands  of  the  moderator  finds  said  paper  to 
be  a  petition  purporting  to  come  from  a  majority  of  the  communicants 
of  the  church  of  Bloomsbury,  in  accordance  with  the  advice  of  Presby- 
tery given  at  the  meeting  at  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Oxford, 
Dee.  18.  1878,  praying  Presbytery  to  advise  the  session  of  that  church 
to  take  order  for  the  retirement  of  certain  elders  from  service  in  that 
church,  or  to  take  such  action  as  the  Presbytery  may  deem  best  to  se- 
cure their  removal.  The  committee  recognizes  the  right  of  petition  in 
general.  It  cannot  admit  however,  that  it  is  correct  to  say  that  Pres- 
bytery has  given  advice  that  that  right  be  exercised  in  this  case.  On 
the  contrary  we  believe  that  the  action  taken  at  Oxford  was,  and  was 
intended  to  be  a  definitive  settlement  of  the  matters  then  in  dispute. 
This  was  the  intent  of  the  agreement  which  stands  on  the  records  of 
Presbytery  signed  by  those  who  were  regarded   as   representatives   of 


First  Presbyterian  Church  of  JBlodmsbiiry .  51 

it  11  interests  involved.  This  being  so,  we  cannot  but  regard  the  pre- 
sentation of  the  petition  as  an  infringement  upon  that  agreement:  ami 
for  the  Presbytery  to  act  in  a  favorable  sense  upon  this  petition  would 
be  to  make  itself  a  party  to  a  breach  of  faith.  We  recommend  there- 
fore that  the  petition  be  returned  to  those  from  whom  it  purports  t<> 
come."  This  report  was  adopted,  whereupon  "Rev.  II.  13.  Scott,  in  be- 
half of  the  petitioners  whose  names  arc  attached  to  the  above  paper, 
gave  notice  of  his  intention  to  appeal  and  complain  to  the  Synod  of 
New  Jersey  against  this  action  of  the  Presbytery." 

At  this  meeting  of  Presbytery,  the  session  was  granted  permission  to 
supply  their  own  pulpit  till  the  next  stated  meeting  of  Presbytery. 
Accordingly  we  tind  the  following  action  taken  Apr.  20.: 

Wherea*,  Presbytery  consented  to  supply  the  pulpit  of  this  chinch 
until  the  next  stated  meeting,  but  it  is  now  thought  best  to  secure  a 
pastor  so  soon  as  the  congregation  shall  be  satisfied,  therefore 

Resolved,  That  with  the  consent  of  the  committee  of  conference  we 
now  proceed  to  hear  candidates  for  the  pastorate." 

After  hearing  a  limited  number  of  candidates  the  following  action 
was  taken  May  25.  1871): 

Whereas,  The  session  of  this  church  having  had  a  number  of  applica- 
tions from  the  membership  of  this  church  to  elect  a  pastor  from  the 
candidates  heard,  being  .satisfied  that  it  is  for  the  best  interests  of  the 
church  that  the  election  be  proceeded  with  as  soon  as  convenient, 
therefore 

Tlcsolceil,  That  Thursday,  June  5.,  this  congregation  will  proceed  to 
the  above  request. 

Through  the  difficulties  in  the  church  the  people  found  themselves 
involved  in  indebtedness,  and  accordingly  a  meeting  of  the  congrega 
tion  was  held,  Apr.  17.  1S7D.  The  meeting  convened  in  pursuance  of 
the  following  notice,  viz:  "Apr.  6.  1879.  There  will  be  a  meeting  of 
the  congregation  of  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloom  sbury,  N.  J. 
in  the  basement  of  the  church,  on  Thursday,  the  17.  day  of  April  inst- 
ant, at  two  o'clock  P.  m.,  to  take  into  consideration  the  financial  condi- 
tion of  the  church,  and  to  make  disposition  of  money   placed  in   their 


5:2  hirst  Prcsbi/lerian  Church  of  Hlo&mistjurtf. 

hands:  said  trustees  owing  to  present  circumstances  desire  instructions 
from  the  congregation.''  The  trustees  account  book  was  examined  awl 
the  indebtedness  ol"  the  church  ascertained,  whereupon  the  following 
act  ion  was  taken  : 

Where- ts^  By  the  last  will  and  testament  of  John  P.  Smith,  dec'd,  the 
sum  of  one  thousand  dollars  was  bequeathed  to  the  First  Presbyterian 
Church  of  Bloomsbury,  of  which  sum  the  interest  only  could  he  used 
the  principal  to  remain  in  tact,  unless  by  a  two  thirds  vote  of  said  con- 
gregation said  principal  to  be  umh\  if  needed,  therefore 

Rejoiced  1st,  That  the  urgent  needs  of  this  church  require  the  use  of 
this  money  to  liquidate  the  present  indebtedness  of  this  church. 

Resolved  lid,  That  this  meeting  held  this  17.  day  of  Apr.  1870,  called 
by  the  trustees  of  said  church,  do  hereby  decide  by  a  vote  of  the  con- 
gregation t;>  authorize  said  trustees  to  use  this  money  for  the  above 
named  purpose,  namely,  the  canceling  said  indebtedness  of  this  church/' 

At  a  congregational  meeting  held  on  June  5.  1879,  the  people  pro- 
ceeded to  the  election  of  a  pastor.  Tae  following  were  placed  in  nom- 
ination, viz:  Rev.  John  C.  Clyde,  Rev.  H.  B.  TownseiidandRev.  E.  A. 
Hamilton.     The  election  resulted  in  the  choice  of  Rev.  John   C.   Clyde. 

The  call  was  made  out  at  a  salary  of  eight  hundred  dollars  a  year, 
payable  quarterly,  with  free  use  of  the  parsonage,  and  a  vacation  of 
four  Sabbaths  annually.  A  proposition  was  made  that  the  electors 
sign  the  call,  which  failed.  It  was  then  proposed  that  three  of  the  old- 
est members  sign  it,  which  was  also  lost.  Finally  it  was  ordered  that 
the  session  and  trustees  should  sign  it.  This  reveals  the  distrust 
which  existed  among  the  people  as  to  the  future  welfare  of  the  church. 

Rev.  Mr.  Clyde  in  due  time  expressed  his  willingness  to  accept  the 
call,  and  commenced  his  labors  among  the  people  July  1.  1S7!>.  The 
work  from  the  outset  was  a  delicate,  dfficult  and  discouraging  one. 
The  church  was  distracted  through  the  long  continued  and  fierce  dis- 
sensions which  had  existed  in  its  midst.  The  people  were  therefore  in 
no  condition  to  go  forward  in  the  work  of  building  up  the  church  either 
spiritually  or  temporally.  The  whole  community  was  affected  by  the 
turmoil  in  the  church.     There  were  many  hard  words  spoken  and   hard- 


First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloomsbury.  53 

er  thoughts  entertained  by  those  who  were  professedly  the  followers  of 
the  -meek  and  lowly  Jesus.  Many  seemed  to  assume  that  the  newly 
elected  pastor  was  their  enemy  and  it  devolved  upon  them  to  treal  him 
disrespectfully  and  unkindly.  Taken  al!  in  all  (lie  field  was  in  about  as 
uninviting  a  condition  as  it  well  could  be.  Notwithstanding  this  it  had 
to  be  assumed  that  here  as  elsewhere,  the  gospel  was  to  be  preached; 
the  authority  of  the  church  sustained;  and  God's  true  children  har- 
monized and  fed  if  possible,  and  to  the  accomplishment  of  this  task  the 
pastor  addressed  himself.  One  line  of  policy  adopted  was  to  draw  the 
minds  of  the  people  away  from  the  troubles  and  interest  them,  if  possi- 
ble, in  church  work.  It  was  thought  the  adoption  of  a  new  book  of 
praise  would  be  a  benefit  to  the  church.  Accordingly  in  July  187!*,  a 
congregational  meeting  was  held  with  reference  to  the  adoption  of  a 
new  book.  The  session,  trustees  and  choir  were  to  constitute  a  commit- 
tee to  recommend  some  suitable  collection.  The  committee  met  Aug. 
10.  1871),  at  which  time  the  Presbyterian  Hymnal  was  adopted. 

July  20.  1870,  Eev.  John  (J.  Clyde,  pastor  elect,  first  moderated  the 
session.  At  a  meeting  of  session,  Hep.  13.  1870,  ''action  was  taken 
with  reference  to  the  installation  of  Eev.  John  C.  Clyde,  and  the  dele- 
gate to  Presbytery  was  instructed  to  ask  the  same  to  appoint  Eev  Wm. 
Thomson  to  preside,  preach  the  sermon  and  propose  the  constitutional 
questions:  Eev.  Thomas  S.  Long  to  charge  the  pastor;  and  Eev.  H.  B. 
Townsend  to  charge  the  people.  The  delegate  was  also  instructed  to 
ask  Presbytery  to  appoint  Tuesday,  Oct.  If.  at  2  o'clock  p.  at.,  as  the 
time  at  which  the  installation  should  take  place." 

At  a  meeting  of  Presbytery  at  Asbury,  Oct  7.  1870,  the  pastor  elect 
"presented  a  letter  of  dismission  and  recommendation  from  the  Presby- 
tery of  Chester,  with  a  request  that  he  be  received  as  a  member  of  this 
Presbytery.  The  certificate  having  been  read  was  found  to  be  in  order. 
and  Eev.  Mr.  Clyde  was  received  according  to  his  request,  and  his 
name  ordered  to  be  placed  upon  the  roll." 

The  call  having  been  presented  to  and  accepted  by  the  pastor  elect. 
Oct.  If.,  at  2  o'clock  r.  at.,  was  fixed  as  the  time  of  installation.  Eev. 
Wm.  Thomson   was  appointed  to  preside,   propose   the   constitutional 


54  First  Prcubykruin  Church  of  Hloomsbary . 

questions  and  charge  the  pastor;  Rev.  John  B.  Kugler  to  preach  the 
:  crinon;  and  Rev.  H.  B.  Townsend  to  charge  the  people.  The  installa- 
tion services  were  duly  held  at  the  time  appointed.  At  this  same 
meeting  of  Presbytery,  while  efforts  were  being'  made  to  advance  the 
interests  of  the  clmrcli,  there  were  some  who  were  exerting  themselves 
to  cripple  it.  As  we  have  seen,  notice  had  been  given  on  the  part  of 
some  of  the  congregation,  of  an  intention  to  appeal  from  a  decision  of 
the  Presbytery  relative  to  the  difficulties  in  the  church.  So  at  this 
meeting  "a  paper  was  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  moderator  which  was 
read  and  tonal  to  bj  a  complaint  from  a  part  of  the  church  of  Blooms- 
bury,  with  the  reasons  therefor,  to  the  Synod  of  New  Jersey,  against 
the  action  of  the  Presbytery  at  its  meeting'  in  April  last,  whereupon 
Rev.  A.  A.  Haines  and  Rev.  W.  A.  llolliday  were  appointed  counsel  to 
defend  the  action  of  Presbytery  before  Synod."  The  case  came  up  in 
Synod  at  its  meeting  in  Trenton,  on  Oct.  22.  1870,  and  was  tried  in  the 
usual  form.  Rev.  Dr.  Keinpshall  and  Rev.  David  Stevenson  acting  as 
counsel  i "or  the  complainants  by  appointment  of  Synod.  The  final  vote 
was  taken  with  the  following  result,  viz:  k*To  confirm  the  action  ot 
Presbytery  48;  to.  confirm  in  part  4 ;  to  reverse  the  action  of  Presby- 
tery 41;  to  reverse  in  part  6."  The  moderator  declared  that  the  vote 
was  to  confirm  the  action  of  Presbytery.  Dr.  Craven  announced  his 
dissent  from  that  decision.  Dr.  Duffield,  Dr.  ('raven  and  elder  Baker 
were  appointed  a  committee  to  bring  in  a  minute  setting  forth  the  rea- 
sons for  the  decision  rendered."  This  committee  brought  in  a  majority 
and  minority  report,  the  former  of  which  was  adopted  and  was  as  fol- 
lows, viz: 

-The  vote  of  the  Synod  being  forty-eight  to  confirm,  four  to  confirm 
in  part;  forty-one  to  reverse,  six  to  reverse  in  part  the  decisiou  of  the 
Presbytery  complained  against,  it  is  the  judgment  of  the  Synod  that 
the  decision  of  the  Presbytery  be  confirmed.  That,  in  view  of  the 
nearly  equally  divided  vote,  and  the  expression  of  the  opinions  of  mem- 
bers of  Synod  preceding  the  vote,  it  is  recommended  to  the  Presbytery 
of  Newton  that  should  a  memorial  be  presented  from  a  majority  of  the 
Bloomsburv  church,  asking  a  change  in  the  eldership,  it  should  receive 


First  Prcsbyivrimt  Church  of  Bloomsb 


ury. 


respectful  and  deliberate  consideration  Also,  that  in  future  they  keep 
a  more  careful  and  particular  record  of  their  proceedings.  The  Synod 
Mould  also  at  the  same  time  recommend  to  the  members  of  the  church 
at  Bloomsbury  to  seek  the  things  that  make  for  peace." 

This  disposition  of  the  ease,  it  would  seem,  ought  to  have;  been  satis- 
factory to  all  parties  interested,  but  such' was  not  the  case.  In  due 
time  notice  was  given  to  the  moderator  of  Synod  of  the  intention  of 
certain  persons  to  appeal  to  the  General  Assembly  from  the  decision  of 
the  Synod.  The  moderator  of  Synod  wrote  to  the  pastor  of  the  church 
with  a  view  of  arriving  at  sueh  solution  of  the  difficulties  as  would  stop 
litigation.  The  pastor  gave  sueh  advice  and  information  as  in  his 
judgment,  would  be  calculated  to  bring  about  a  better  understanding 
between  the  litigants.  Fortunately  through  this  or  some  other  means 
the  case  was  prevented  from  going  before  the  General  Assembly  but 
affairs  remained  in  an  unsettled  condition  until  the  absence  of  any 
complaint  before  the  Assembly  in  the  spring  of  1S80  confirmed  the  ac- 
tion of  Synod  in  its  settlement  of  the  difficulties. 

Whilst  many  of  those  who  upheld  the  appeal  and  complaint  to  Synod 
against  Presbytery  accepted  Synod's  action  as  final  and  continued  to 
perform  their  christian  duties  in  the  church,  others  manifested  an  un- 
willingness to  submit  to  the  authority  of  the  church,  and  made  an  effort 
to  carry  on  religious  services  in  a  public  hall  in  the  village  without  con- 
sulting Presbytery  and  without  taking  certificates  of  dismission  from 
the  church  to  which  they  belonged.  This  effort  at  continued  resistance 
to  the  regularly  constituted  authorities  of  the  church  however  failed 
after  a  few  weeks. 

Notwithstanding  there  were  these  great  obstacles  in  the  way  of  prog- 
ress, the  policy  of  going  straight  forward  with  the  affairs  of  the  church 
Mas  persevered  in.  As  we  have  seen  Presbytery  advised  the  adoption 
of  means  whereby  the  grounds  of  complaint  with  reference  to  certain 
elders  might  be  removed,  and  this  was  also  recommended  by  the  Syn- 
od.    Accordingly  the  following  action  was  taken  Nov.  13.  1879: 

"The  session  haviug  considered  on  the  31.  of  March  last  the'  proprie- 
ty of  giving  the  congregation  an  opportunity  of  expressing  their  views 


50  iirst  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloomsbary. 

on  the  subject  of  electing  additional  elders,  took  up  the  same   subject 
at  tliis  meeting.     After  c  msideratiou  it  was 

/,','/;/  1st,  That  the  moder.ito"  ba  instructed  to  give  noticu  on 
next  Sabbath  morning,  Nov.  10.,  that  the  congregation  would  be  con- 
vened in  congregational  meeting  on  Sabbath  morning  Nov:.  23.,  after 
sea-vice  to  give  expression  to  their  views  on  the  above  subject. 

U  ..,//••/  2d,  That  if  the  congregation  see  lit  to  elect  additional  el- 
ders they  shall  be  afforded  then  and  there  an  opportunity  to  proceed  to 
said  election  if  so  disposed. 

The  meeting  of  the  congregation  here  contemplated  was  duly  held 
Nov.  23.  1671),  at  the  close  of  divine  service.  The  pastor  was  elected 
chairman  of  the  meeting  and  VVm.  S.  Oreveling,  M.  D.,  secretary.  The 
call  ;i>  formulated  at  the  meeting  of  session  Nov.  13.  was  read.  "A  mo- 
tion was  made  and  seconded  that  additional  elders  be  elected.  After  a 
full  and  free  discussion  of  the  subject,  the  motion  was  lost.  The  con- 
gregation having  decided  not  to  elect  elders,  and  no  further  business 
being  before  the  meeting,  on  motion  it  adjourned." 

At  a  meeting  of  session  dan.  10.  1880,  "The  officers  of  the  congrega- 
tional meeting  referred  to  in  the  minutes  of  the  meeting  of  session, 
were  requested  to  record  their  minutes  in  the  session  book  for  perma- 
nent preservation  and  convenience  of  access  and  reference."  This  re- 
quest was  acceded  to  and  the  minutes  of  the  meting  so  recorded. 

In  order  that  the  people  might  have  their  attention  occupied  with  the 
interests  of  the  church,  at  tin"  holidays  in  1879,  a  public  dinner  and  oys- 
ter supper  were  held  in  the  public  hall  of  the  village,  at  which  time  a. 
handsome  sum  was  realized  for  miscellaneous  expenses,  and  this  has 
been  an  annual  feature  of  church  work  at  this  season  of  the   year  since 

That  time. 

With  the  opening  of  the  year  1880,  a  mite  society  was  started  which 
accumulated  funds  also  for  miscellaneous  needs. 

In  order  to  make  the  main  audience-room  of  the  church  more  cheerful, 
new  lighting  arrangements  were  secured  and  placed  therein. 

The  annual  congregational  meeting  was  held  Apr.  3.  1880,  at  which 
time  Jesse  J.  Lake,  John  Hance  and  Robert  1.  Smith  were    elected 


Jf'trst  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloomsbuvy.  ~>7 

trustees.  The  same  day  the  board  eleeted  Jesse  J.  Luke,  president ; 
John  Hance,  secretary;  and  R.  I.  .Smith,  treasurer.  Jt  becoming  man- 
it'ested  (by  the'absence  of  an  appeal  to  the  General  Assembly  in  1880, 
on  the  part  of  those  who  were  not  satisfied  with  the  decision  of  Synod 
in  1879)  that  the  litigation  growing  out  of  the  troubles  in  the  church 
had  ceased,  attention  was  turned  to  the  correction  of  evils  which  were 
found  to  exist  in  the  church.  One  of  these  evils  was  the  old  one  of 
neglect  of  the  ordinances :  another  was  the  retention  upon  the  roll  of 
the  names  of  those  who  had  removed  beyond  the  bounds  of  the  congre- 
gation or  attended  other  churches,  and  who  either  neglected  or  refused 
to  take  certificates  of  dismission,  whilst  at  the  same  time  they  were  to 
a  greater  or  less  extent  taking  part  in  the  control  of  the  affairs  of  the 
church.  To  correct  these  evils,  on  Sep.  11.  1880,  session  selected  such 
decisions  of  the  General  Assembly  as  bore  upon  these  points,  and  direc- 
ted the  clerk  to  forward  a  copy  of  the  same  to  the  membership  of  the 
church  for  their  guidance.  At  this  meeting  elder  Smith  resigned  his 
position  as  superintendent  of  the  sabbath-school,  which  was  accepted 
npon  condition  of  his  continuance  until  a  suitable  person  could  be  found 
to  take  his  place. 

Iu  the  report  to  Presbytery  adopted  by  session  Apr.  2.  1881,  the  fol- 
lowing is  found,  viz:  "The  spiritual  condition  of  the  church  seems  to 
have  improved  somewhat,  whilst  much  is  yet  to  be  hoped  for  in  this 
particular.  Efforts  have  been  made  during  the  year  to  ascertain  the  re- 
al numerical  strength  of  the  congregation.  A  small  debt  upon  the 
church  has  been  paid  during  the  year.  A  mite  society  has  been  suc- 
cessfully carried  on  ;  and  having  relighted  the  main  audience  room,  the 
congregation  proceeded  to  raise  funds  for  the  benefit  of  the  sabbath- 
school.  The  accommodations  of  the  school  in  the  lecture  room  have 
been  greatly  improved.  The  unsightly  wooden  supports  which  made 
the  room  so  unattractive,  have  been  replaced  by  suitable  iron  ones;  the 
uncomfortable  wooden  benches  have  been  replaced  by  chairs;  the  pul- 
pit has  been  altered  and  the  room  generally  renovated  and  relighted. 
A  new  sabbath-school  library  has  been  purchased  and  hymn  books  pro- 
vided whereby  the  children  sing  the  same  hymns  that  are  used   in   the 


58  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloomsbury . 

regular  church  .service.     During  the  year  the  invested  charitable  funds* 
of  tin'  congregation  have  been  made  available  and  used  for  the  purpose 
for  which  they  were  provided." 

The  action  of  Sep.  11.  1880,  having  been  communicated  to  the  con- 
gregation, and  some  of  the  delinquents  not  seeming  to  heed  the  admo- 
nition then  given,  the  following  action  was  taken  by  session  Apr.  2. 
1881,  viz: 

Whereas,  General  Assembly  (Digest  page  G21.  !).)  has  enjoined  upon 
sessions  of  our  churches,  on  the  removal  of  any  members  beyond  boun- 
daries of  their  own  organization,  to  furnish  such  members,  whether  in 
full  communion  or  members  by  baptism  only,  with  testimonials  of  their 
standing,  which  testimonials  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  such  persons  at 
once  to  present  to  some  church  of  our  connection,  and  the  session  shall 
earnestly  counsel  these  members  to  transfer  their  relation  immediately 
if  practicable,  or  at  the  earliest  opportunity,  therefore  it  was 

Resolved,     That  the  clerk  of  session  be  and  hereby  is  ordered  to   for- 
ward testimonials  of  regular  standing  at  the  time  of  their   removal,    in 
accordance  with  this  action,  to  the  following  absent  members,  viz:  *  * 
By  this  means  the  roll  was  to  some  extent  revised. 

Apr.  1881,  the  congregation  elected  Jesse  J.  Lake,  John  Hancy  and 
Robert  I.  Smith,  trustees.  The  same  day  the  trustees  elected  Jesse  J. 
Lake,  president;  John  Hanee,  secretary;  and  Robert  I.  Smith,  treasu- 
rer. 

Having  on  April  2.  dealt  with  the  delinquents  who  resided  beyond 
the  bounds  of  the  congregation,  session  proceeded  to  consider  the  case 
of  those  who  resided  within  bounds.  Accordingly  May  28.  1881,  "Sess- 
ion convened  in  accordance  with  Chap.  IX,  sec.  7.  Form  of  Gov't,  at 
the  request  of  two  elders."  "The  subject  of  the  abseuce  from  the  ordi- 
nances of  the  church  on  the  part  of  certain  members  was  taken  up  and 
action  of  Assembly  (Digest  Book  II,  Ch.  I.  12,  a.)  bearing  upon  the 
poiuts,  was  read.  It  was  decided  to  proceed  in  the  present  case  under 
this  provision.  The  following  charge,  upon  common  fame,  was  formu- 
lated, viz:  Unchristian  conduct;  specification,  wilful  absenting  from 
the  ordinances  of  the  church."      Undei  this  charge   twenty-three  per- 


First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloonisbury.  h\) 

sons  were  held.  After  fixing  June  2.  as  the  time  of  next  meeting  and 
entering-  the  names  of  the  witnesses  who  were  to  prove  the  charge,  the 
clerk  was  directed  to  cite  the  parties  to  appear  at  that  time,  and  an  el- 
der was  appointed  to  conduct  the  prosecution.  It  was  decided  to  sit 
in  private,  in  accordance  with  act  of  AstemLIy,  1880,  minutes  pege  23. 

June  2.  1881,  session  convened  pursuant  to  adjournment,  at  9.30  o' 
clock  a.  M.  The  elder  who  was  appointed  to  have  charge  of  the  prose 
cution  not  being  present  another  was  appointed  in  his  [dace.  Before 
proceeding  to  judicial  session,  for  reasons  satisfactory  to  session,  the 
charge  was  withdrawn  with  reference  to  three  of  the  persons  held, 
leaving  twenty  persons  under  process.  Having  proceeded  to  judicial 
session  the  names  of  the  accused  were  called  for  the  purpose  of  pre- 
senting them  with  a  copy  of  the  charge  and  names  of  the  witnesses. 
One  only  appeared  who  pleaded  guilty,  expressed  penitence  and  was 
admonished.  The  clerk  was  directed  to  issue  citations  for  the  witness- 
es, and  those  who  had  failed  to  appear  at  this  meeting,  to  appear  at  a 
meeting  to  be  held  June  14.,  for  trial.  Session  accordingly  convened 
June  14.  1881,  at  8  o'clock  A.  M.  Upon  calling  the  names  of  the  accus- 
ed only  one  appeared.  The  charge  having  been  presented  he  pleaded 
guilty  and  retired  whilst  session  considered  what  action  should  be  ta- 
ke*h  in  the  case.  When  recalled  he  failed  to  appear  and  was  accord- 
ingly suspended  from  the  communion  of  the  church,  in  accordance  with 
act  of  Assembly,  Digest  page  493,  a.  The  remaining  eighteen  accused 
persons  not  appearing,  "the  clerk  was  ordered  to  cite  these,  with  the 
witnesses,  to  appear  at  the  next  meeting  for  trial,"  whereupon  session 
adjourned  to  meet  June  18.  1881.  The  names  of  the  eighteen  remain- 
ing accused  persons  were  called,  none  of  whom  appeared;  thus  sus- 
pending themselves  from  the  communion  of  the  church  without  the  ac- 
tion of  session,  by  operation  of  the  law  of  the  church  provided  in  such 
cases.  "Session  thereupon  declared  that  these  persons  were  excluded 
from  the  communion  of  the  church  for  their  contumacy  until  they  re- 
pent, in  accordance  with  Book  of  Discipline,  Chap.  4.  sec    0." 

An  elder  was  appointed  to  have  charge  of  the  cases  and  session  pro- 
ceeded to  place  on  record  the  proof  of  the  charge  preferred.     -'In  accor- 


u'O  !•  irst  Presbyterian  Church  of  JBloomsbury. 

dance  with  Book  of  Discipline  Chap.  1,  sec.  19,  it  was  deemed   expedi- 
ent not  to  publish  the  action  of  session  beyond  the  judicatory." 

Under  date  of  June  27.  1881,  six  Of  the  persons  who  had  been  sus- 
pended from  the  communion  of  the  church  gave  notice  of  their  inten- 
tion to  appeal  and  c  >inplain  to  Presbytery,  but  never  carried  the  mat- 
ter further.  Thus  for  the  time  being',  at  least,  ended  the  troubles  in 
the  church. 

At  this  time  the  congregation  was  called  upon  to  undergo  a  sad  be- 
reavement. Elder  William  Tinsmau,  who  had  served  the  church  from 
its  organization,  and  who  was  a  zealous  participant  in  taking  the  ini- 
tiatory steps  in  the,  eases  of  discipline  which  he,  with  the  other  mem- 
bers of  session  felt  were  needed  for  the  welfare  of  the  church,  was 
stricken  of  apoplexy  and  died  June  4. 
The  following  report  of  session  to  Presbytery  was  mads  Mar.  23.  1882. 

The  ordinances  have  been  maintained  uninteruptedly  throughout 
the  year,  and  the  fruits  thereof  exhibited  in  the  reception  of  a  number 
of  new  on  verts  into  the  membership  of  the  church,  and  the  manifest- 
ly increased  earnestness  in  the  hearing  of  the  preached  word  by  the 
entire  c  mgregati o:i.  The  revision  of  the  roll  and  the  consequently 
corrected  table  of  figures  elucidates  more  clearly  the  actual  strength 
of  the  church,  and  although  the  number  of  communicants  reported  is 
less  than  it  wa ;  in  last  year's  report,  the  moral  and  spiritual  power  of 
the  church  is  much  stronger.  The  tact  that  the  congregation  has  been 
steadily  increasing  through  the  adherence  of  persons  moving  into  the 
community,  and  through  the  increased  interest  of  some  residing  in  the 
village,  the  church  is  financially  stronger.  There  has  been  a  marked 
improvement  in  the  attendance,  perhaps  more  especially  prominent 
since  the  series  oi  services  during  the  Presbyterial  visitation.  The  in- 
terest apparent  on  that  occasion  has  not  subsided  and  we  have  mani- 
fest evidence  that  the  Holy  Spirit  is  in  our  midst.  The  standard  of  pi- 
ety is  higher  among  the  members  of  the  church.  The  attachment  to 
the  pastor  and  to  each  other  is  a  prominent  feature,  and  all  things  con- 
sidered the  church  has  much  reason  for  thankfulness." 

Apr.  8.  1882,  the  congregation  elected  Charles  Alpaugh,  J.  J.   Lake 


First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloom sbury.  <;i 

and  L.  Anderson,  trustees.  At  this  meeting  it  was  ordered  that  "no 
burial  plots  be  sold  to  any  persons  outside  of  this  congregation."  Apr. 
!>.  Kobert  1.  Smith  and  John  Hance  were  elected  trustees  to  take  (he 
places  of  J.  J.  Lake  and  L.  Anderson  who  declined  to  serve.  The  same 
day  the  trustees  elected  Charles  Alpaugh,  president:  John  HancL1.  sec- 
retary; and  R.  I.  Smith,*treasurer. 

The  sidewalks  leading  to  the  church  becoming  dilapidated,  the  con 
gregation  united  with  the  Methodist  Episcopal  chinch  of  the  village  in 
an  excursion  to  New  York  and  Coney  Island  to  repair  the  same  for  the 
mutual  benefit  of  the  two  congregations.  The  excursion  came  off  Aug. 
11.  1882,  and  was  a  gratifying  success.  The  animal  holiday  supper 
was  given 'on  Christinas,  and  the  land-;  realized  therefrom  set  apart  to 
complete  the  sum  needed  for  sidewalks,  and  for  the  use  of  the  sabbath- 
school.  In  pursuance  of  Unoriginal  intention,  stone  flagging  was  laid 
down  in  front  of  all  the  church  property  contiguous  to  the  public  streets 
of  the  village,  except  on  the  south  side,  where  it  was  deemed  not  nec- 
essary. 

In  the  spring  of  188o,  the  following  report  of  the  condition  of  the 
church  was  made  to  Presbytery,  viz: 

1.  The  preaching  of  the  word  and  the  ordinances  of  the  church  have 
been  regularly  maintained  throughout  the  past  year.  2.  The  number 
of  worshipers  has  perceptibly  increased,  and  their  earnest  attention 
and  deep  interest  are  quite  apparent.  3.  The  admission  of  a  number 
of  new^converts  into  the  communion  and  christian  fellowship  of  the 
church,  confirms  the  belief  that  the  Spirit  is  in  our  midst,  and  strength- 
ens the  hope  that  God  will  yet  bless  his  means  toward  an  abundant 
conversion  of  souls.  4.  Notwithstanding  there  have  been  removals  by 
death  and  dismissals  to  other  churches,  the  reception  of  members  upon 
confession  of  Christ  and  by  letter,  render  an  increased  total  of  commu- 
nicants. 5.  The  moral  and  spiritual  power  of  tlie  church  is  steadily 
growing  stronger.  Than  in  the  past  brotherly  love  and  christian  char- 
ity have  become  a  marked  feature.  Perhaps  during  the  entire  history 
of  the  church  there  has  never  been  such  close  accord  with  the  people 
and  their  pastor.     6.  The  congregation  is  growing  numerically  stronger 


62  First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloomsbury. 

because  of  adherence  of  families  moving  into  the  village,  and  the  more 
cordial  support  of  earlier  residents.  7.  Although  not  possessed  of  such 
ample  means  as  in  former  years,  the  church  is  growing  in  financial 
strength.  There  is  no  indebtedness;  but  on  the  contrary  there  is  a 
considerable  fund  set  apart  for  incidental  purposes;  besides  a  fund  tor 
the  relief  of  the  poor  of  the  church.'^.  All  things  considered,  the  session 
are  encouraged  to  hope  for  a  bright  future  for  the  church. 

Such  was  substantially  the  condition  of  the  church  July  1.  1883,  the 
close  of  the  first  four  years  of  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  John  C.  Clyde.  Up 
to  this  time  there  had  been  received  into  the  church  thirty-four  per- ' 
sons,  fifteen  upon  profession  of  their  faith  in  Christ;  and  nineteen  by 
certificate.  Nineteen  infants  had  been  baptized,  and  eight,  couples 
married. 


First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloomsbury.  b'3 


SUBSCRIBERS 

FOR  THE 

HISTORY  OF  THE  FIRST  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH  OF 
BLOOMSBURY,  NEW  JERSEY. 


Names. 

Copies, 

Henry  R.  Kennedy 

4. 

William  J.  Smith 

^># 

Moses  Robins 

2. 

Robert  I.  Smith 

3. 

John  C.  Smith 

2. 

Louis  Anderson 

1. 

William  S.  Creveling, 

M.  D. 

1. 

David  Wean 

1. 

Franklin  P.  Cliue 

1. 

James  J.  Willever 

1. 

S.  R.  Dalrymple 

1. 

A.  W.  Creveling 

;;                         1. 

Thomas  S.  Hoffman 

1. 

John  Hance 

*■..*■      !• 

William  C.  Smith 

1. 

Theodore  Melick 

1. 

William  Fnliner 

1. 

M.  J.  Vliet 

1. 

Elizabeth  Smith 

1. 

J.  G.  Apgar 

1. 

Wm.  Carling 

1. 

<;4  ^'"'v/  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bfoomshury. 

Theodore  Tinsnian  ^ 

A.  C.  Smith,  M.  D. 

Charles  Alpangb  j' 


Joseph  Stopp 
C.  H.  Smith 
S.  E.  G.  Smith 
W.  G.  Smith 


1. 

1. 
Win.  Little,  M.  J). 


A.  G.  CxeYelin^ 

Henry  M.  Vliet 

George  Vliet 

Eliza  Vliet 

Alice  V.  Vliet 

Rachel  Tinsmau 

Lizzie  Emery 

James  II.  Willever 

Hannah  A.  Creveliug  j 

Agnes  Creveliug  j 

Charles  O.  Creveling 

James  L.  Creveling 

C.  M.  Williamson 

Mr.  Brotzman 

J.  W.  DeHart 

V.  K.  Wolverton 

Mary  V.  Smith  j 

Sarah  C.  Smith 

Elie  Smith 

Mary  P.  Young 

Win.  Dalrymple 

P.  L.  Hawk 

George  Hawk  j 

Mr.  Buhner  2 

James  Myers  ^ 


First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Bloomsbwy.  65 


John  Bidders  i 

Samuel  Hanson  I 

J.  C.  Stewart,  M.  D.  L 

A.  Oreveling  I 

G.  Cole  l 

Win.  Sherrer  I 

George  Creamer  1> 

John  W.  Creveling  ^ 

S.  N.  Park  ^ 

John  Wieder  I 

George  Carpenter  1, 

George  Streepy  im 

John  L.  Allen  l# 

George  Opdyke  1_ 

S.  Probasco                                                              ■  i 

Henry  Gardner  I# 

Isaac  Wolvertou  j# 

George  Race  l 

Lewis  Fox  l# 


Other  Publications  by  Kev.  John  €.  Clyde. 


History  of  the  Allen  Township  Presbyterian  Church  and  the  Com- 
munity which  has  sustained  it,  in  what  was  formerly  known  as  the 
Irish  Settlement,  Northampton  County,  Pa.     1876,  pp.  200.  75c. 

Genealogies,  Necrology  and  Reminiscences  of  the  Irish  Settlement,  or 
a  Record  of  those  Scotch-Irish  Presbyterian  families  who  were  the  First 
Settlers  in  the  "Forks  of  Delaware,"  now  Northampton  County,  Penn- 
sylvania— a  Sequel  to  the  "History  of  the  Allen  Township  Presbyte- 
rian Church.     1879,  pp.  420.  81.00. 

Rosbrugh,  a  Tale  of  the  Revolution,  or  Life,  Labors  and  Death  of 
Rev.  John  Rosbrugh,  pastor  of  Greenwich,  Oxford  and  Mansfield 
Woodhouse  (Washington)  Presbyterian  churches,  N.  J.,  from  1764  to 
1709;  and  of  Allen  Township  church,  Pa.,  from  1769  to  1777;  Chaplain 
in  the  Continental  Army;  Clerical  Martyr  of  the  Revolution,  killed  by 
Hessians,  in  the  battle  of  Assunpink,  at  Trenton,  New  Jersey,  Jan.  2d, 
1777.  Founded  upon  a  paper  read  before  the  New  Jersey  Historical 
Society  at  its  meeting  in  Trenton,  Jan.  15th,  1880;  to  which  is  append- 
ed genealogical  data  of  all  the  Rosbrughs  of  the  connection  in  America. 
1880,  pp.  94.  $1.00. 

Life  of  James  H.  Coffin,  LL.D.,  for  twenty-seven  years  Professor  of 
Mathematics  and  Astronomy  in  Lafayette  College;  Member  of  the 
National  Academy  of  Sciences,  and  other  learned  bodies;  Discoverer 
of  the  laws  which  govern  the  Winds  of  the  Globe.  1881,  pp.  375.  $1.50. 


